Hooghly River

2026-05-02T15:52:25Z

82.132.219.182:

{{Short description|Distributary of the Ganges River in India}}
{{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
{{Infobox river
| name = Hooghly River
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| image = HooghlyRiverOverBally gobeirne.jpg
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| image_caption = The Hooghly flowing through [[Bally, Howrah|Bally]]
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| subdivision_type1 = Country
| subdivision_name1 = [[India]]
| subdivision_type2 = State
| subdivision_name2 = [[West Bengal]]
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| source1 = [[Ganges]]
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| source1_coordinates = {{coord|24|30|18|N|88|05|05|E|region:IN|display=inline}}
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| mouth = [[Bay of Bengal]]
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| mouth_coordinates = {{coord|21|40|50|N|87|57|23|E|region:IN|display=inline,title}}
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| bridges = [[Vidyasagar Setu]] (Second Hooghly Bridge) [[Rabindra Setu]] (Howrah Bridge) [[Nivedita Setu]] [[Vivekananda Setu]] (Bally bridge) [[Sampreeti Bridge]] [[Jubilee Bridge (India)|Jubilee Bridge]] [[Ishwar Gupta Setu]] [[Gouranga Bridge|Gourango Setu]] [[Nashipur Rail Bridge]] Ramendra Sundar Tribedi Setu Jangipur Bhagirathi Bridge
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| length = 260 kilometres
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| depth_max = 117 m
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The '''Hooghly River''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|h|uː|g|l|i}}; {{langx|bn-latn|Hugli}} {{ipa|bn|ˈɦuɡli|}}) is the westernmost [[distributary]] of the [[Ganges]], situated in [[West Bengal]], India. It is known in its upper reaches as the '''Bhagirathi'''. The Bhagirathi splits off from the main branch of the Ganges at [[Giria, India|Giria]]. A short distance west, it meets the man-made [[Farakka Feeder Canal]], which massively increases its flow. The river then flows south to join the [[Jalangi River|Jalangi]] at [[Nabadwip]], where it becomes the Hooghly proper.<ref name="hooghlyBritannica"/> The Hooghly continues southwards, passing through the metropolis of [[Kolkata]]. Thereafter, it empties into the [[Bay of Bengal]]. Its tributaries include the [[Ajay River|Ajay]], [[Damodar River|Damodar]], [[Rupnarayan River|Rupnarayan]], and [[Haldi River|Haldi]].

The Hooghly has religious significance as [[Hinduism|Hindus]] consider the river sacred. It also plays a major role in the agriculture, industry, and climate of the state.

== Course ==

The vast majority of the water that flows into the Hooghly River is provided by the man-made [[Feeder Canal (Farakka)|Farakka Feeder Canal]], rather than the natural source of the river at Giria. The [[Farakka Barrage]] is a dam that diverts water from the [[Ganges]] into the Farakka Feeder Canal near the town of Tildanga in [[Murshidabad district]], located 40 km upstream from Giria. This supplies the Hooghly with water as per the agreement between India and Bangladesh. The feeder canal runs parallel to the Ganges, past [[Dhulian]], until just above [[Jahangirpur, West Bengal|Jahangirpur]] where the canal ends and joins the Bhagirathi river. The Bhagirathi then flows south past [[Jiaganj Azimganj]], [[Murshidabad]] and [[Baharampur]].[[File:Bhagirathi River.jpg|thumb| Bhagirathi River, Murshidabad |282x282px]]South of Baharampur and north of [[Palashi]] it used to form the border between [[Bardhaman District]] and [[Nadia District]], but while the border has remained the same the river is now often east or west of its former bed. The river then flows south past [[Katwa]], [[Nabadwip]], [[Kalna, India|Kalna]] and [[Jirat]]. At Kalna it originally formed the border between Nadia District and [[Hooghly District]], and then further south between Hooghly District and [[North 24 Parganas district|North 24 Parganas District]]. It flows past [[Halisahar]], [[Chinsurah]], [[Naihati]], [[Bhatpara]], [[Konnagar]], [[Serampore]], and [[Kamarhati]]. Then, just before entering the twin cities of [[Kolkata]] (Calcutta) and [[Howrah]], it turns to the southwest. At Nurpur it enters an old channel of the Ganges, and turns south to empty into the [[Bay of Bengal]] through an estuary about {{convert|20|mi|km|abbr=on}} wide [2].<ref name="hooghlyBritannica">{{cite web |url=https://www.britannica.com/place/Hugli-River |title=Hugli River |access-date=8 July 2016 |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica |archive-date=5 June 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160605180548/http://www.britannica.com/place/Hugli-River |url-status=live }}</ref>

[[Ain-i-Akbari]],<ref>https://archive.org/details/ainiakbarivolum00mubgoog The Ain I Akbary Abul Fazl Allammi Vol-2, Translated by Colonel H.S.Jarrett published by The Asiatic Society of Bengal Printed at the Baptist Mission Press in 1891 Calcutta page-120.</ref> a book by [[Abu'l-Fazl]], describes that the river Ganga and river Sarwasati (Sarsuti) streams of lower Bengal had different flows. According to the footnotes of this book, the colour of the water of the Sarawasati was white, the colour of another stream named Jamuna was blue, and the colour of the Ganga was muddy and yellowish. From Kolkata the main flow of the Hooghly-Bhagirathi (or Ganga) used to run along the side of the [[Kalighat]] temple, [[Baruipur]], [[Jaynagar Majilpur]], [[Chhatrabhog]] and Hatiagarh. At that time, between Khiderpore and Sankrail<ref>https://cclpworldwide.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hooghly-Jelar-Itihas-Sudhir-Kumar-Mitra.pdf {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323142153/https://cclpworldwide.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/Hooghly-Jelar-Itihas-Sudhir-Kumar-Mitra.pdf |date=23 March 2020 }} Jelar Itihas Sudhir Kumar Mitra/ page no 792 (original book) internet page 806</ref> no flow existed. Presently, the stream between Khiderpore and Sankrail became known as '''KatiGanga'''. A channel had been dug at the time of Alibardi Khan in the middle of the 18th century. This happened with the assistance of Dutch traders, who also set up a toll point on the Hooghly river.<ref>Chakraborty, Satyesh C. "The Story of River Port". Kolkata Port Trust. Archived from the original on 2011-07-21. Retrieved 2007-12-10.</ref> So the present reach of the Hooghly is the lower part of the historical Saraswati. [[Kolkata]] the capital of West Bengal is located on the banks of the Hoogly river.
[[File:Hooghly.jpg|thumb|right|Map of the Hooghly River delta showing [[Sagar Island]]|400x400px]]

== Tidal bore ==
[[File:Hooghly_River_@_Serampore.jpg|thumb|Hooghly River, Serampore|282x282px]]
The tide runs rapidly on the Hooghly, and produces a remarkable example of the fluvial phenomenon known as a [[tidal bore]]. This consists of the [[Lateral wave|head-wave]] of the advancing tide, hemmed in where the estuary narrows suddenly into the river, and often exceeds {{convert|7|ft|m|abbr=on}} in height. It is felt as high up as [[Naihati]] 35 km upstream of [[Calcutta]], and frequently destroys small boats.<ref name="NGeo">{{cite journal |author1=Helen Schreider |author2=Frank Schreider |author1-link=Helen and Frank Schreider |author2-link=Helen and Frank Schreider |title=From The Hair Of Siva |journal=[[National Geographic]] |date=October 1960 |volume=118 |issue=4 |pages=445–503}}</ref> A tidal bore which overcame the banks of the river in 1876 was reported to have killed up to a hundred thousand people.<ref name="NGeo" /> The difference from the lowest point of low-water in the dry season to the highest point of high-water in the rains is reported to be {{convert|20|ft|10|in|m|abbr=on}}. The greatest mean rise of tide, about {{convert|16|ft|m|abbr=on}}, takes place in March, April or May - with a declining range during the rainy season to a mean of {{convert|10|ft|m|abbr=on}}, and a minimum during [[freshet]]s of {{convert|3|ft|6|in|m|abbr=on}}.

== History ==
In its upper reaches the river is generally known as the Bhāgirathi, until it reaches Hooghly. The word Bhāgirathi literally means "caused by [[Bhagiratha]]", a [[Hindu mythology|Hindu mythological]] [[Solar dynasty]] prince who was instrumental in bringing the river Ganges from [[Svarga|heaven]] to the earth, in order to release his 60,000 grand-uncles from a curse of the saint [[Kapila]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Narayan |first=R. K. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=FZTc1xwm8XEC&pg=PT31 |title=The Ramayana: A Shortened Modern Prose Version of the Indian Epic |date=2006-08-29 |publisher=Penguin |isbn=978-1-4406-2327-1 |pages=31 |language=en}}</ref>

In 1974, the [[Farakka Barrage]] began diverting water into the Hooghly during the dry season so as to reduce the silting difficulties at Kolkata's port.

Like the rest of the Ganges, the Bhāgirathi-Hooghly is considered sacred to [[Hindu]]s,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/what-is-the-origin-of-holy-river-ganga-1536924684-1|title=What is the origin of holy river Ganga?|date=20 March 2020|access-date=23 March 2020|archive-date=23 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200323144804/https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/what-is-the-origin-of-holy-river-ganga-1536924684-1|url-status=live}}</ref> and its water is considered holy.

== Bridges and tunnels ==
[[File:Sunset at Hooghly.jpg|thumb|Sunset at River Hooghly, [[Kolkata]], [[West Bengal]], [[India]]]]
The following bridges currently span the Hooghly River; listed from south to north until the Farakka Feeder Canal meets the river:
*[[Vidyasagar Setu]] (Second Hooghly Bridge)- inaugurated in October 1992, connecting [[Howrah]] and [[Kolkata]]
*[[Howrah Bridge|Rabindra Setu]] (Howrah Bridge) - inaugurated in February 1943, connecting Howrah and Kolkata
*[[Nivedita Setu]] (Second Vivekananda Bridge) - inaugurated in July 2007, connecting [[Bally, Howrah|Bally]] and [[Dakshineswar|Dakhineswar]]; runs adjacent to Vivekananda Setu
*[[Vivekananda Setu]] (Bally Bridge; road and rail bridge) - inaugurated in December 1932, connecting [[Bally, Howrah|Bally]] and [[Dakshineswar|Dakhineswar]]; runs adjacent to Nivedita Setu
*[[Sampreeti Bridge|Sampreeti Setu]] (New Jubilee Bridge; rail only) - inaugurated in August 2016, connecting [[Bandel]] and [[Naihati]]; replaced the now-decommissioned [[Jubilee Bridge (India)|Jubilee Bridge]]
*[[Ishwar Gupta Setu]] (Kalyani Bridge) - inaugurated in 1989, connecting [[Bansberia]] and [[Kalyani, West Bengal|Kalyani]]
*[[Gouranga Bridge|Gouranga Setu]] - connecting [[Nabadwip]] and [[Krishnanagar, Nadia|Krishnanagar]]
*Ramendra Sundar Tribedi Setu - connecting Khagraghat and [[Baharampur]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=সেতুর হালে বাড়ছে আতঙ্ক |url=https://www.anandabazar.com/west-bengal/nadia-murshidabad/condition-of-ramendra-sundar-tribedi-bridge-is-also-very-bad-1.749223 |access-date=14 May 2024 |last1=আবেদিন |first1=অনল }}</ref>
* Jangipur Bhagirathi Bridge - connecting [[Raghunathganj]] and [[Jangipur (WB)|Jangipur]]
[[File:Jubilee Bridge (Naihati-Bandel) by Piyal Kundu.jpg|left|thumb|[[Jubilee Bridge (India)|Jubilee Bridge]] on Hooghly River between [[Naihati]] and [[Bandel]]]]

The following bridges are under various stages of development:

*[[Nashipur Rail Bridge]] (rail only) - partially constructed; connecting [[Jiaganj Azimganj|Azimganj]] and [[Murshidabad]]
* New Bhagirathi Bridge - constructed on NH 34 at [[Berhampore]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=Construction of four lane bridge across River Bhagirathi at 195 + 160 of NH-34 near Berhampur (W.B.) {{!}} Inland Waterways Authority of India, Government of India |url=http://www.iwai.nic.in/nocsforstructures/construction-four-lane-bridge-across-river-bhagirathi-195-160-nh-34-near-berhampur |access-date=2024-07-25 |website=www.iwai.nic.in}}</ref>
* Kalna - Shantipur Bridge<ref name=":0">{{Cite news|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/india/three-river-bridges-in-wb-to-boost-trade-highlight-culture-4877522/|title=Three river bridges in WB to boost trade, highlight culture|date=2017-10-06|work=The Indian Express|access-date=2018-03-12|language=en-US|archive-date=12 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312083434/http://indianexpress.com/article/india/three-river-bridges-in-wb-to-boost-trade-highlight-culture-4877522/|url-status=live}}</ref> - announced<ref>{{Cite web |title=Construction of bridge over river Bhagirathi connecting Kalna, ch.35.447 km of STKK road and Shantipur, ch.96.30 km of NH 34 in the district of Purba Bardhaman & Nadia, Project Length 14.476 Km, length of main bridge including ROB 2.114 Km in Nadia , Purba Bardhaman (West Bengal): Project Updates & Investment Details {{!}} IIG |url=https://indiainvestmentgrid.gov.in/ |access-date=2024-05-14 |website=indiainvestmentgrid.gov.in |language=en}}</ref>
* Fuleshwar - Budge Budge Bridge<ref name=":0" /> - announced
The following tunnels are situated under the Hooghly River :-

* [[CESC Tunnel]] - This tunnel is using for electric power transmission between Kolkata and Howrah. It was the first [[underwater tunnel]] of Asia. The construction of this tunnel was completed in 1931.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 18, 2017 |title=Kolkata Metro: 87 years on, boring re-creates CESC feat |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/87-yrs-on-boring-re-creates-cesc-feat/articleshow/58229574.cms |access-date=2022-09-29 |website=The Times of India |language=en |archive-date=22 September 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922133127/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/87-yrs-on-boring-re-creates-cesc-feat/articleshow/58229574.cms |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Hooghly river underwater metro tunnel as seen in Narendra Modi's video (cropped).jpg|thumb|300px|Hooghly River Underwater metro tunnel segment]]
[[File:East west metro tunnel pics.webm|thumb|East west metro tunnel underwater section]]
* [[East West Metro Tunnel]] - The tunnel was completed in 2021. This tunnel is the first underwater river railway tunnel in India. It is a metro railway tunnel, connecting [[Kolkata]] to [[Howrah]].

== Economics ==
[[File:Ferry Howrah Bridge.jpg|thumb|A ferry operating between Howrah and Kolkata with Howrah Bridge (Rabindra Setu) in background]]
The Bhāgirathi-Hooghly river system is an essential lifeline for the people of West Bengal. It was through this river that the East India company sailed into Bengal and established their trade settlement, Calcutta, the capital of British India. People from other countries such as the French, Dutch, Portuguese, etc. all had their trade settlements by the banks of this river.

The river provides a perennial supply of water to the plain of West Bengal for irrigation and human & industry consumption. The river is navigable and a major transport system in the region with a large traffic flow. For a long time, the [[Port of Kolkata|Calcutta Port]] was the biggest port of India. Although in the past its significance had gone down, recently it has reached the 3rd position in the list of Indian Ports. The modern container port of [[Haldia]], on the intersection of lower Hooghly and Haldi River, now carries much of the region's maritime trade. One new port will be built in the deep sea to reduce the load on Calcutta port.
[[File:Hooghly_River_at_Diamond_Harbour_in_South_24_Parganas_06.jpg|left|thumb|Hooghly River at [[Diamond Harbour]]]]
Despite the river being polluted, the fish from it are important to the local economy.
[[File:Howrah Pano 4.jpg|thumb|right|Panoramic view of Kolkata from Howrah with Second Hooghly Bridge]]
The Hooghly river valley was the most important industrial area of the state of Bengal. Despite a decline of the [[Jute trade|jute industry]], the prime industry of this region, it is still one of the biggest industrial areas of India. It has a number of small cities which form the [[Neighbourhoods in Kolkata|Greater Kolkata agglomeration]], the second biggest Indian city and the former capital.

In September 2015, the [[Government of West Bengal]] announced that renovation of the Hooghly riverfront in Kolkata will be completed with the help of [[World Bank]] funding under the [[National Ganga River Basin Authority|National Ganga River Basin Project Scheme]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/good-governance/west-bengal/World-Bank-to-fund-Hooghly-riverfront-revamp/articleshow/48785461.cms|title=World Bank to fund Hooghly riverfront revamp - Times of India|website=[[The Times of India]]|date=3 September 2015 |access-date=3 September 2015|archive-date=7 September 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907114544/http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/good-governance/west-bengal/World-Bank-to-fund-Hooghly-riverfront-revamp/articleshow/48785461.cms|url-status=live}}</ref>

== Hooghly River in arts ==
[[File:Howrah Arati 1.jpg|thumb|Ganga Arati on the banks of the Hooghly river, [[Howrah]]]]
[[File:From the Harvest Fields of Bengal.jpg|thumb|The Hooghly River from the Harvest Fields of Bengal, c. 1905]]
===Literature===
[[Rudyard Kipling]] wrote an article, ''On the Banks of the Hugli'' (1888),<ref>{{cite web |date=1 February 2003 |title=Chapter IV - City of Dreadful Night - From Sea to Sea - Rudyard Kipling, Book, etext |url=http://www.telelib.com/words/authors/K/KiplingRudyard/prose/FromSeaToSea/dreadnight_IV.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303183804/http://www.telelib.com/words/authors/K/KiplingRudyard/prose/FromSeaToSea/dreadnight_IV.html |archive-date=3 March 2016 |access-date=25 August 2013 |publisher=Telelib.com}}</ref> and a short story set on the Hooghli, ''An Unqualified Pilot'' (1895).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.telelib.com/words/authors/K/KiplingRudyard/prose/LandandSea/unqualifiedpilot.html |title=An Unqualified Pilot - Land & Sea Tales - For Scouts and Guides - Rudyard Kipling, Book, etext |publisher=Telelib.com |date=1 March 2003 |access-date=25 August 2013 |archive-date=5 April 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405045110/http://telelib.com/words/authors/K/KiplingRudyard/prose/LandandSea/unqualifiedpilot.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Cultural events===
The '''Silk River''' project aims at exploring the artistic relationship between Kolkata and [[London]] through artistic exchange from 10 locations each along the Hooghly River and the [[River Thames]]. The 10 places along the Hooghly River are [[Murshidabad]], [[Krishnagar]], [[Chandannagar|Chandernagore]], [[Barrackpore]], [[Jorasanko]], [[Bowbazar]], [[Howrah]], [[Kidderpore]], [[Acharya Jagadish Chandra Bose Indian Botanic Garden|Botanical Gardens]] and [[Batanagar]]. Ten scrolls, painted in the [[Patua]] tradition, depicting the 10 places will be carried along the Hooghly River. The event began at Murshidabad on 7 December 2017 and ended at the [[Victoria Memorial]], Kolkata on 17 December.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Chatterjee|first1=Chandreyee|title=Exploring the River Connect|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1161110/jsp/calcutta/story_118362.jsp|access-date=21 July 2017|agency=The Telegraph|issue=Kolkata|publisher=ABP|date=10 November 2016|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124733/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1161110/jsp/calcutta/story_118362.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Basu|first1=Anasuya|title=River Walk to Boost Ties|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170721/jsp/calcutta/story_163070.jsp|access-date=21 July 2017|agency=The Telegraph|issue=Kolkata|publisher=ABP|date=21 July 2017|archive-date=15 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115124716/https://www.telegraphindia.com/1170721/jsp/calcutta/story_163070.jsp|url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Hooghly River, Calcutta by Francis Frith (3).jpg|thumb|Hooghly River, Calcutta by [[Francis Frith]] (taken 1850s-1870s)]]

==Gallery==
<gallery>
File:Hooghly River in Kolkata, India.jpg|Boats on Hooghly River
File:Hooghly Riverfront in Kolkata, India.jpg|Hooghly River in [[Kolkata]]
Image:Hooghly River 1915.gif|Boats and men on the banks of the Hooghly river, 1915
File:Manor Floatel - Hooghly River 2012-01-14 0915.JPG|The Floatel in [[Kolkata]] located on the river
Image:Prinsep Ghat.jpg|The [[Prinsep Ghat]] which is located on the bank of the Hooghly River
File: Bansberia Ganga.jpg|Char on the river at [[Bansberia]], [[Hooghly district]]
File:Shimurali river bank.jpg|Boats on the river at [[Shimurali]], [[Nadia district]]
File:Bhagirathi River Behind Hazarduari Palace Murshidabad.JPG|The river behind [[Hazarduari Palace]] in [[Murshidabad district]]
File:Kolkata - Hooghly River 2012-01-14 0924.JPG|The city of Kolkata lies along the banks of the Hooghly
File: Hoogly_River.JPG|Boat seen from the bank of the Hoogly River at [[Kolkata]]
</gallery>

==See also==
* [[List of rivers of India]]
* [[Kolkata Eye]]

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
*{{EB1911|wstitle=Hugli (river)}}

1. Gautam Kumar Das. 2024. River Systems of West Bengal: Water Quality and Environment. In: River Systems of West Bengal. Springer Water. Springer, Cham. 180p. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-53480-5-1. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-53480-5.

2. Gautam Kumar Das. 2015. Estuarine Morphodynamics of the Sunderbans, Springer, Switzerland, 211p. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-11343-2. https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-319-11343-2.

==External links==
* {{Commonscat-inline|Hooghly River}}
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20060928222709/http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/Newsroom/NewImages/images.php3?img_id=17410 Hugli River] at [[NASA Earth Observatory]]
* [http://www.hooghlydistrict.info/ Hooghly District Information]
{{Rivers in and around Bengal}}
{{Tourist attractions in Kolkata}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Distributaries of the Ganges]]
[[Category:Rivers of West Bengal]]
[[Category:Geography of Kolkata]]
[[Category:Howrah]]
[[Category:Sundarbans]]
[[Category:Tourism in West Bengal]]
[[Category:Sacred rivers]]

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Hooghly River