Explore the geographical aspects covered by WBPSC (West Bengal Public Service Commission), encompassing diverse landscapes, climatic zones, and natural resources within West Bengal. Learn about the state’s geographical features, environmental challenges, and regional variations. Discover how WBPSC addresses geographical topics relevant to West Bengal’s socio-economic and environmental contexts.
FAQs on West Bengal geography
- What is the geographical location of West Bengal?
- West Bengal is a state located in the eastern region of India, along the Bay of Bengal. It is bordered by Bangladesh to the east, Nepal and Bhutan to the north, Sikkim to the northwest, and Bihar, Jharkhand, and Odisha to the west.
- What are the major rivers in West Bengal?
- West Bengal is crisscrossed by several major rivers, including:
- Ganges (Ganga): The most sacred river in India, flows through the southern part of the state.
- Hooghly (Hugli): A distributary of the Ganges, flowing through Kolkata, the capital city.
- Teesta: An important river originating in Sikkim and flowing through northern West Bengal.
- Mahananda: Flows through the northern part of the state.
- Damodar: Also known as the “Sorrow of Bengal” due to its destructive floods, it is now largely tamed by dams and reservoirs.
- What are the main physiographic divisions of West Bengal?
- West Bengal can be divided into four main physiographic regions:
- The Himalayan Foothills (Terai and Dooars): The northernmost part of the state, characterized by fertile plains and dense forests.
- The North Bengal Plains: A vast alluvial plain formed by the Ganges and its tributaries, known for its fertile soil and agricultural productivity.
- The Rarh Region: A plateau region in the western part of the state, known for its laterite soil and mineral resources.
- The Coastal Plains: A narrow strip of land along the Bay of Bengal, consisting of deltaic formations and mangroves.
- What is the climate of West Bengal?
- West Bengal experiences a tropical wet-and-dry climate. The summers are hot and humid, while winters are mild and pleasant. The state receives heavy rainfall during the monsoon season (June to September). The northern hilly regions have a cooler climate compared to the plains.
- What are the major natural resources found in West Bengal?
- West Bengal’s natural resources include:
- Minerals: Coal, iron ore, limestone, copper, china clay, and fireclay are found in the state.
- Forests: The state has a significant forest cover, particularly in the northern and southwestern regions.
- Water resources: The Ganges and its tributaries are important for irrigation, navigation, and fishing.
- Coastal resources: The long coastline supports fishing, salt production, and aquaculture.
- What are the major crops grown in West Bengal?
- The major crops grown in West Bengal include:
- Rice: The staple food of the state.
- Jute: West Bengal is a major producer of jute, used for making sacks, bags, and other products.
- Tea: Darjeeling tea, grown in the hills of North Bengal, is world-renowned for its flavor and quality.
- Potatoes: The state is a significant producer of potatoes.
- Vegetables: A wide variety of vegetables are grown, including brinjal, cauliflower, cabbage, and tomatoes.
- What are the major cities in West Bengal?
- The major cities in West Bengal include:
- Kolkata (Capital)
- Howrah
- Durgapur
- Asansol
- Siliguri
- What are some important geographical features of West Bengal?
- Some important geographical features include:
- The Sunderbans: The largest mangrove forest in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Darjeeling: A hill station famous for its tea gardens and scenic beauty.
- Buxa Tiger Reserve: A wildlife sanctuary known for its diverse flora and fauna.
- The Ganges Delta: One of the largest deltas in the world.