Which of the following was not an original objective behind constructing the Farakka Barrage on the Ganga river?

Introduction / Context:

This question deals with Indian geography and river valley projects, focusing on the strategic objectives of the Farakka Barrage on the Ganga river. Understanding why such a barrage was built helps learners connect physical geography, river management, and economic needs such as port maintenance and navigation. Examinations often ask about the true objectives of major projects and also about statements that look plausible but were not the officially stated aims.

Given Data / Assumptions:

Concept / Approach:

The Farakka Barrage was mainly built to improve the navigability of the Bhagirathi Hooghly river system and to reduce silting at Kolkata Port by diverting additional water into its channel. It also had related objectives such as protecting the river bank and aiding navigation. Although river flow into what is now Bangladesh became a political issue later, restricting water to Bangladesh was not an officially declared objective of the barrage when it was conceived and built. The approach is to recall these documented aims and eliminate the option that reflects a political consequence rather than a stated purpose.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:

An alternative way to verify is to group the options conceptually. Options dealing with port silt, port erosion, and river navigation are all technical and economic aims that fit with the design of a barrage near a major port. Only the idea of restricting water to another country appears political rather than engineering oriented. Project documents and standard textbooks consistently emphasise port preservation and navigation rather than deliberately checking flow into Bangladesh, confirming the choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

Checking silting of Kolkata Port: This was a major objective because excessive silt threatened the viability of the port, and additional water was needed to flush out sediments.

Preventing erosion of Kolkata Port: Reducing erosive effects and protecting river banks and port infrastructure was naturally linked to the hydrological regulation provided by the barrage.

Facilitating navigation in Ganga river: Improving navigability for vessels in the Ganga and Hooghly system was one of the functional goals of the project.

Common Pitfalls:

Candidates sometimes confuse the later political disputes between India and Bangladesh over water sharing with the original engineered objectives of the project. Another mistake is to think that any effect of a project automatically counts as a planned purpose. Examinations often test this distinction by including one politically sounding option among technical objectives. Carefully focusing on stated aims rather than later controversies helps avoid such errors.

Final Answer:

The correct answer is Checking water flowing into Bangladesh.