Classify the drainage system of West Bengal on the basis of their place of origin. Explain the characteristics of each type. Comment on the problem of flood in west bengal.

The drainage system of West Bengal can be classified into two main types based on their place of origin: (1) Himalayan Rivers and (2) Peninsular Rivers. Let's explore the characteristics of each type:-

1. Himalayan Rivers:-
   These rivers originate from the Himalayan mountain range in the northern part of India. They flow through the northern and western regions of West Bengal before eventually joining the Bay of Bengal. The major Himalayan rivers in West Bengal are the Ganga (also known as the Ganges), Teesta, and their tributaries.

Characteristics:-

• High Discharge: Himalayan rivers carry a significant volume of water due to the heavy rainfall and snowmelt in the Himalayas. As a result, they are crucial for the irrigation and agricultural activities in the regions they traverse.
• Fluctuating Water Levels: These rivers experience seasonal fluctuations in water levels, with higher flows during the monsoon season and lower flows during the dry months.
• Alluvial Plains: As they pass through the plains of West Bengal, these rivers deposit fertile alluvial soils, making the region agriculturally rich.

2. Peninsular Rivers:-
   The Peninsular rivers of West Bengal originate within the state or from the Chota Nagpur Plateau located in the western part of West Bengal. They primarily flow through the southern part of the state before joining the Bay of Bengal. Some notable Peninsular rivers in West Bengal include the Damodar, Subarnarekha, and Ajay.

Characteristics:-

• Moderate Discharge: Peninsular rivers generally have a moderate discharge compared to the Himalayan rivers. Their water flow is influenced by local rainfall patterns and groundwater sources.
• Lesser Seasonal Variations: These rivers do not experience the same dramatic fluctuations in water levels as the Himalayan rivers. They often maintain a more constant flow throughout the year.
• Susceptibility to Pollution: Peninsular rivers are more prone to pollution due to their relatively lower water volume and higher human settlement density along their course.

Flood Problems in West Bengal:

West Bengal is susceptible to flooding due to several factors, including heavy monsoon rains, a flat topography, poor drainage infrastructure, and encroachment of water bodies. The major flood-prone areas are the districts of North and South 24 Parganas, Howrah, Hooghly, and Purba Medinipur.

The problems of flood in West Bengal are multi-fold:-

• Heavy Monsoons:-During the monsoon season, the state experiences heavy and continuous rainfall, which leads to the swelling of rivers and water bodies, causing inundation of low-lying areas.
• Riverbank Erosion: Some rivers, especially the Ganga and the Brahmaputra in the northern parts, have a high rate of bank erosion, leading to the displacement of communities and loss of agricultural land.
• Lack of Proper Drainage: In many urban and rural areas, the drainage infrastructure is inadequate and poorly maintained, exacerbating flooding issues during heavy rains.
• Deforestation and Urbanization: Rapid deforestation and unplanned urbanization can disrupt natural water retention and drainage systems, further contributing to flooding.
• Climate Change: Climate change can result in unpredictable and extreme weather patterns, intensifying rainfall, and flooding events.

Addressing the flood problem requires a comprehensive approach, including improved drainage infrastructure, afforestation, riverbank protection measures, sustainable urban planning, and disaster preparedness and response mechanisms. Additionally, there is a need for coordination between different levels of government to tackle this issue effectively.