Farakka Barrage: It was commissioned in 1975, and its 50th anniversary is being observed in 2025.

• About Farakka Barrage: Situated on the Ganga River in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, about 18 km from the Bangladesh border.

o Commissioning: Began operations on April 21, 1975, after 12 years of construction.

o Purpose: Diverts 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka Feeder Canal to flush out silt from the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River, ensures smooth navigation for Kolkata Port.

o India-Bangladesh Agreements: Multiple agreements over Ganga water sharing, including Farakka Agreement (1977) & Ganga Water Treaty (1996)

• Hooghly River & Its Significance: It is also known as Bhagirathi-Hooghly or Kati-Ganga River.

o Length: About 260 km long; a distributary of the Ganges.

o Formation: The Ganga River splits in Murshidabad - one branch forms the Padma River, flowing into Bangladesh. The other becomes the Hooghly River, flowing through West Bengal.