Central Water Commission.
The Farakka Barrage Project on river Ganga, commissioned in the year 1975, mainly for diversion of 1135 cumec flow of water from river Ganga to river Hoogly through Bhagirathi, for the preservation of Kolkata Port, is a project of national importance. River Ganga due to its meandering nature is causing bank erosion problems not only in the vicinity of barrage but also in the reaches far upstream and downstream of the barrage. The bank erosion problem was existing even much before the construction of Farakka barrage. This paper attempts to analyse the probable causes of bank erosion problems. An attempt has been made to identify the potential vulnerable reaches requiring anti erosion measures. Causes of shoal formation especially near the barrage and ways for removal of the same has also been discussed. The paper also discusses various precautions to be taken while planning, designing and execution of anti-erosion works. Certain new construction materials have also been suggested in the paper for improving the performance of anti erosion works.
