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Question 11 of 11

Q.Two statements are given below. They are Assertion (A) and Reason (R). Read both the statements carefully and choose the correct option. Assertion (A) : The significance of Kolkata sea port has declined in the recent times. Reason (R) : Kolkata port is confronted with the problem of silt accumulation in the Hugli river. Options : (A) Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). (B) Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A). (C) (A) is incorrect, but (R) is correct. (D) (A) is correct, but (R) is incorrect.

CBSECBSE Class XII Board 2025MCQ· 1mImportance★★★★★
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The Kolkata port's significance has declined because persistent silt accumulation in the Hooghly River restricts access for larger vessels, directly impacting its operational capacity and trade volume.

The Kolkata Port, historically known as the Port of Calcutta, holds a unique position as India's only major riverine port. Situated on the Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganga, it was once a bustling gateway for trade, particularly during the British colonial era. Its strategic location provided access to the vast hinterland of Eastern India, making it a pivotal hub for commerce.

However, in recent times, the significance of the Kolkata sea port has indeed seen a decline. This assertion is accurate when considering its relative position among other major ports in India, many of which are deep-sea ports capable of handling much larger vessels. The reasons for this shift are multifaceted, but one primary geographical challenge stands out.

Important

Kolkata Port is an inland riverine port, meaning its navigability is directly dependent on the depth of the river channel, unlike coastal deep-sea ports.

The Hooghly River, being a dynamic riverine system, naturally carries a substantial amount of sediment and silt, especially during the monsoon season. This silt continuously deposits on the riverbed, leading to a persistent problem of silt accumulation. This accumulation reduces the navigable depth of the channel, making it increasingly difficult for large, modern cargo ships to access the port. Constant and expensive dredging operations are required to maintain even a minimum navigable depth, but these efforts often struggle to keep pace with the rate of siltation. …

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