Geography of West Bengal: Difference between revisions

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The Geography of West Bengal, a state in eastern India, is primarily defined by plains and plateaus, with the high peaks of the Himalayas in the north and the Bay of Bengal to the south.

Location and extent

22nd District: Jhargram; 23rd District: Paschim Bardhaman — Districts of West Bengal

West Bengal is on the eastern neck of India, stretching from the Himalayas in the north to the Bay of Bengal in the south. It lies between 85 degree 50 minutes and 89 degree 50 minutes east longitude, and 21 degrees 25 minutes and 27 degrees 13 minutes north latitude.^[1] The state has a total area of 88,752 square kilometres (34,267 sq mi).^[2] With Bangladesh on its eastern border, the state forms the ethno-linguistic region of Bengal. To its northeast lie the states of Assam and Sikkim and the country of Bhutan. To its southwest is the state of Odisha. To the west, it borders the states of Jharkhand and Bihar, and to the northwest, Nepal. The capital of the state is Kolkata, the third-largest urban agglomeration and the seventh-largest city in India.

Political geography

There are 23 districts and 5 divisions in West Bengal. The Burdwan Division consists of Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Bardhaman, Birbhum, and Hooghly; Medinipur division consists of Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia; the Jalpaiguri Division consists of Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri, and Kalimpong; the Malda division consists of Uttar Dinajpur, Dakshin Dinajpur, Murshidabad and Malda, and the Presidency Division consists of Kolkata, Nadia, North 24 Parganas, South 24 Parganas and Howrah. The newly added 7 districts are Ranaghat, Jangipur, Berhampur, Bishnupur, Sundarban, Icchemati and Bashirhat.

Each district is governed by a district collector or district magistrate, appointed either by the Indian Administrative Service or the West Bengal Civil Service. Each district is subdivided into Sub-Divisions, governed by a sub-divisional magistrate, and again into Blocks. Blocks consists of panchayats (village councils) and town municipalities.^[1] Often, the districts north of the Ganges (i.e., Cooch Behar, Darjeeling, kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, North Dinajpur, South Dinajpur, and Malda) are together called North Bengal.

The capital of the state is Kolkata – the third-largest urban agglomeration^[3] and the seventh-largest city^[4] in India. Asansol is the second largest city and urban agglomeration in West Bengal after Kolkata.^[3] Siliguri is an economically important city, strategically located in the northeastern Siliguri Corridor (Chicken's Neck) of India. Other major cities and towns in West Bengal are Howrah, Durgapur, Raniganj, Haldia, Jalpaiguri, Kharagpur, Burdwan, Darjeeling, Midnapore, and Malda.^[4]

Landforms

Darjeeling Himalayan hill region

Darjeeling Himalayan hill region is situated to the north of the state. This region belongs to the Eastern Himalaya range. The entire Darjeeling district (except the Siliguri subdivision and northern parts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts) falls under this zone, which starts abruptly from the Terai region. The deep gorges of Teesta River, which runs from north to south have divided this mountainous region into two parts: the western mountains (west of Teesta) and the eastern mountains (east of Teesta).

The Western Mountains

Singalila Range and Kanchenjungha from Sandakphu

The western mountains are the higher part of Darjeeling Himalayan range, with an average height of 2,200 m (7,200 ft). They spread from Nepal border to the Teesta river, and primarily consist of two mountain ranges: the Singalila Range and the Darjeeling range. The Singalila Range is located along the border of Darjeeling district and Nepal. It separates West Bengal from Nepal. Singalila starts from Western Sikkim and penetrates into Darjeeling district. It has four important peaks higher than 3,000 m: Sandakphu (3,636 m), Phalut (3,595 m), Sabargram (3,543 m), and Tonglu (3,036 m). Among the Himalayan ranges of this region, Singalila Range hosts Sandakphu (3,636 m), the highest peak in West Bengal.^[5] Kanchenjunga (the world's 3rd highest peak), Everest (world's highest peak), Lhotse (world's 4th highest peak), and Makalu (world's 5th highest peak) can be seen from the Singalila Range.

The Darjeeling range rises steadily from Terai area. Located within this range, Ghum railway station (2,258 m) is the highest rail station in India. The famous Tiger Hill (2,567 m) is situated at the middle of this mountain chain and is a viewpoint from which some of the world's tallest peaks can be seen, including Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Three minor mountain chains start from Tiger Hill: Darjeeling Lebong in the north, Takdah Peshok in the northeast, and Bagora Dowhill in the south. Sinchal (2,615 m) is one of the well-known peaks here.

The Eastern Mountains

The eastern side of the Darjeeling Himalayan mountains are lower than the western side, with an average altitude of 1,900 m (6,200 ft). Durpin Dara and Chola are two major mountain chains of this part.

The Durpin Dara chain holds the highest peak of eastern part: Rishila, at 3,121 metres (10,240 ft). There are two peaks, Renigango (1,885 m) and Chhoto Sinchula (1726m) to the north of Jalpaiguri district. The Buxa hill is located at the east end of this region. Sangchuli is the highest peak of the Buxa hills. Kalimpong town is one of the well-known towns of this area.

The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (simply known as "toy train") has been listed in UNESCO world heritage sites.^[6]

Terai region

A tea garden in Dooars with the background of the Himalayas

The Teesta River divides the area into two parts: the Terai to the west and the Dooars (or Duars) to the east. The Dooars region can be further subdivided into the Siliguri (Western) Dooars, the Jalpaiguri (Middle) Dooars, and the Alipur (Eastern) Dooars.

The Terai ("moist land") is a belt of marshy grasslands, savannas, and forests at the base of the Himalaya range stretching southwards about 38 km. Above the Terai belt lies the Bhabar, a forested belt of rock, gravel, and soil eroded from the Himalayas. The Terai zone is composed of alternate layers of clay and sand, with a high water table that creates many springs and wetlands. The Terai zone is inundated yearly by the monsoon-swollen rivers of the Himalayas. The Terai–Duar savanna and grasslands is an ecoregion that stretches across the middle of the Terai belt, consisting of tall grasslands, savannas, evergreen forests, and deciduous forests [.

The Terai and Dooars region politically constitute the plains of Darjeeling District, the whole of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar district, and the upper region of Cooch Behar District in West Bengal. The slope of the land is gentle, from north to south. The general height of the land is 80–100 m. The entire region is made up of sand, gravel, and pebbles laid down by Himalayan rivers including the Teesta, Torsa, Raidak, Jaldhaka, Sankosh, and Mahananda.

North Bengal plains

The North Bengal plains start from the south of Terai region and continue up to the left bank of the Ganges. The southern parts of the district Jalpaiguri, North Dinajpur baring some extreme northern regions, South Dinajpur, Malda, Alipurduar and southern part of Cooch Behar districts constitute this geographical region. The narrow land mass in the North Dinajpur district is known as Mahananda Corridor. This corridor runs north to south joining Malda with the plains of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. The entire part of North and South Dinajpur is silt laden plain.

The Mahananda River divides the district of Malda into two parts. The eastern part (known as Barind or Barendrabhumi) consists of undulating plains and tilas, and is made up of old alluvium and is part of the Ganges Delta. In contrast, the western part is made up of new alluvium, and here the Kalindi River joins the Mahananda River. The area north of the Kalindi River is a lowland covered with swamps and beels (small water bodies) and is known as tal. In contrast, the area south of the Kalindi is a very fertile land and is known as diara.

The plain south of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar, and Cooch Behar district is also made of new alluvium deposited by numerous rivers including the Teesta, Torsa, Raidak, Jaldhaka, Sankosh, Balason, Punarbhaba, and Atrai [1].

Rarh region

Rarh is the region that intervenes between the Vajjabhumi and the Ganges Delta. This region is composed of parts of the districts Murshidabad, Birbhum, Bankura, Purba Bardhaman, Paschim Bardhaman, Purba Medinipur, and Paschim Medinipur. The region is about 50–100 m above sea level, and is believed to consist of soil from the Deccan plateau. The area is formed by the silt brought by the tributaries of the Bhagirathi, Mayurakshi River, Ajay River, Damodar, and Rupnarayan rivers, which flow through the red laterite soil of the western plateau region. The land is sloped from west to southeast, and the formation of natural levees along the riverbanks is a common phenomenon.

Coastal plain

A small coastal region is on the extreme south of the state. A part of the district of Purba Medinipur along the Bay of Bengal constitutes the coastal plain. This emergent coastal plain is made up of sand and mud deposited by rivers and wind. Parallel to the coast are areas of sand dunes and marsh. The Digha dunes lie nearest to the Bay of Bengal, while the Kanthi dunes are the farthest from it. In some areas, dunes occur at a distance of 15–16 km from the coast and are 11–12 m high [2].

Western plateau and high lands

The western part of Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum, Bardhaman, and Paschim Medinipur districts constitute the western plateau and highlands, which form the eastern fringes of the Chota Nagpur Plateau. Geologically, this area is made of igneous rocks of the Archaean era as well as coal-bearing mudstone and quartzite rocks of Carboniferous period. Because of long and continuous erosion, the whole region has been transformed into an undulating peneplain. This area is interspersed by small monadnocks locally known as tila. Some of the important hills in the area include Ajodhya Hills (677 m), Panchet (643 m), and Baghmundi in Purulia, and Biharinath (452 m) and Susunia (442 m) in Bankura. Gorgaburu in the Ayodhya Hills (677 m) is the highest point in the region.

The average altitude in the area ranges from 100 to 500 m. The area has a slope from the west to the east.

There are some badlands in this region. The Sinhati Badlands are located 4 km northwest of Bishnupur town in the Sinhati area of Bankura district.^[7] The Gangani (or Garbheta) Badlands are located in Paschim Midinipur district beside river Shilabati. These badlands are also known as Grand Canyon of West Bengal.^[8]

Ganges delta

Ganges river delta, in Bangladesh and India

The Ganges Delta covers the entirety of Nadia, Kolkata, North 24 Parganas, and South 24 Parganas districts, and the eastern half of Murshidabad district. The Ganges passes through this vast area and divides into three distinct parts: the old delta, the mature delta, and the active delta.

The old delta consists of the districts of Murshidabad and Nadia. The formation of delta is complete and the rivers here are heavily silted and many have even dried up over time. Silted rivers, swamps, beels, and oxbow lakes form the area. This area is also known as Bagri region.

The districts of Kolkata and North 24 Parganas form mature delta region. The rivers are slow and meandering and frequently shift their courses. Swamps, beels, and oxbow lakes characterise the scenery. The district of South 24 Parganas is known to be the active delta of the Ganges, where the formation of the delta is still an ongoing process.

Agro-climatic groups

Agriculture is leading occupation in the state. Shown here are freshly sown saplings of paddy; in the background are stacks of jute sticks.

Depending on soil and climate variations, West Bengal can be divided into six broad divisions:^[9]

The hill region in the north
The Terai and Teesta alluvial region of North Bengal
The laterectic, red and gravely undulating region in the west
The coastal alluvial region in the south
The Gangetic alluvial region in the east
The Vindhya alluvial region in the centre

Rivers

Hooghly River viewed over the town of Bally, Howrah

The Ganges enters West Bengal near Rajmahal and then flows in a southeasterly direction. It divides in two near north of Dhulian in Murshidabad district.^[10] One branch enters Bangladesh as the Padma (or Pôdda), while the other flows through West Bengal as the Bhagirathi and Hooghly River in a southern direction. The Bhagirathi-Hooghly is the main river in West Bengal, and flows past some of the important cities like Murshidabad, Baharampur, Nabadwip, Chinsurah, Chandannagar, Srirampur, Howrah, Kolkata, Diamond Harbour, and Haldia. It empties into Bay of Bengal near Sagar Island in the South 24 Parganas district.^[10]

Numerous rivers flow eastwards through West Bengal and join the Bhagirathi on the right bank.^[10] These include:

The Mayurakshi River—which is fed by the Brahmani, Dwarka, Bakreshwar, and Kopai—joins the Bhagirathi near Kandi, Murshidabad.
The Ajay River, which rises in the hills of Bihar and is joined by the Kunur, flows down the plateau fringe, marking the boundary between Bardhaman and Birbhum districts and joining the Bhagirathi near Katwa.
The Damodar River joins the Bhagirathi near Uluberia. The river is also known as "the sorrow of Bengal", and controlled by the Damodar Valley Project.
The Dwarakeswar and Shilabati rivers join to form the Rupnarayan River. The Kangsabati and Keleghai rivers join to form the Haldi River.^[10] The Rupnarayan and Haldi then join the Bhagirathi in the East Midnapur district.
The Subarnarekha River, after flowing for a short distance in West Bengal, re-enters into Orissa [1].

Similarly, several rivers flow westwards into West Bengal and join the Bhagirathi on its left bank.^[10] These include:

The Bhairab River and the Jalangi River, which join together (then known as Jalangi) before joining the Bhagirathi.
The Mathabhanga River, which divides into two branches: the Churni and Ichhamati. The Churni meets the Bhagirathi, while the Ichhamati flows southwards and joins the Kalindi River.^[10]

These rivers carry with them plenty of water, keeping the Bhagirathi River submerged with water throughout the year. The rivers also carry silt and sand eroded from the western plateaus and deposit them in the Bhagirathi. This silting causes trouble for the Kolkata Port and often causes flooding during years of heavy rain.^[10]

The Sunderbans region is covered by numerous estuaries and streams, mainly distributaries of main rivers [3]. The rivers are interconnected and are fed by tidal waters. The major rivers of the area are the Hooghly, Matla, Gosaba, Saptamukhi, Haribhanga, Piyali, Thakuran (or Jamira), Raimangal, Kalindi, and Ichhamati [4].^[10]

The Teesta River cuts deep gorges from north to south in the mountainous Darjeeling district. It then enters the plains at Sevoke and flows in a mighty stream in a straight line towards the southeast, until it pours into the Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh.^[10]

The Torsa, Jaldhaka, Kaljani, Raidak, Sankosh, and Mahananda rivers originate in the northern hilly region which rise in the Himalayas and flow in a southerly direction through the districts of Darjeeling, Alipurduar, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar and North and South Dinajpur, before entering Bangladesh. As most of the rivers are fed by snow, they are perennial in nature and often flood during the rainy season.^[10] The entire region is made up of sand, gravel, and pebbles laid down by these rivers.^[10] The Mahananda rises from the Dow Hills forest, near the town of Darjeeling, and runs in a zig-zag course through the district of Malda and joins the Padma in Bangladesh. In the central region, the main river is the Mahananda.^{[clarification needed]} The Tangon, Punarbhabha, and Atrai rivers arise in the plains; the former two join and flow into the Mahanadi, while the Atrai flows into the Padma [1].

Wetlands

The Sundarbans delta is the largest mangrove forest in the world, situated in the South 24 Parganas district. It lies at the mouth of the Ganges and is spread across areas of Bangladesh and West Bengal. The Bangladeshi and Indian portions of the jungle are both UNESCO world heritage sites, separately listed as the Sundarbans and Sundarbans National Park respectively, though they are parts of the same forest [3]. The Sundarbans are intersected by a complex network of tidal waterways, mudflats, and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and present an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes [4].

The average elevation of the area is 10 m. This area has been created by the deposition of silt from its numerous rivers—the Hooghly, Matla, Jamira, Gosaba, Saptamukhi, and Haribhanga—and their tributaries. The formation of the delta is an ongoing process, and new bars and islands are being created along the rivers and at the river mouth. A large percentage of the area is underwater during incoming tides.

The area is known for its wide range of fauna. The most famous among these is the royal Bengal tiger, but numerous species of birds, spotted deer, crocodiles, and snakes also inhabit it. It is estimated that there are now 400 Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area [5].^{[citation needed]}

Climate

Many areas flood during the heavy rains brought by monsoon

West Bengal's climate varies from tropical savannah in the southern portions to humid subtropical in the north. The main seasons are summer, rainy season, a short autumn, and winter. While the summer in the delta region is noted for excessive humidity, the western highlands experience a dry summer like northern India, with daily high temperatures ranging from 38 °C (100 °F) to 45 °C (113 °F).^[11] At nights, a cool southerly breeze carries moisture from the Bay of Bengal.

In early summer, brief squalls and thunderstorms known as kal-baisakhi often arrive from the north or northwest.^[12] Monsoons bring rain to the whole state from June to September. West Bengal receives the Bay of Bengal branch of the Indian Ocean monsoon that moves in a northwest direction. Winter (December–January) is mild over the plains with average daily low temperatures of 15 °C (59 °F).^[11] A cold and dry northern wind blows in the winter, substantially lowering the humidity level. However, the Darjeeling Himalayan Hill region experiences a harsh winter, with occasional snowfall at places.

Natural resources

File:Wb-minerals.png

West Bengal stands third in India in terms of mineral production by state, contributing about one-fifth of the total mineral production of the country.^[10]

Coal constitutes 99% of the minerals extracted in West Bengal. West Bengal is the third largest state for coal production, accounting for about half of India's total.^[10] Coal is extracted from about 228 mines in the Raniganj and Asansol region of Bardhaman district.^[10] High grade bituminous coal is mined at Raniganj, Dishergarh, Santaldih, Kulti, Barakar, Ghushik, and Kajora. Coalfields stretch over an area of about 1,550 km² (598 sq mi). The coalfields of Raniganj support the Asansol-Durgapur industrial belt by providing fuel to the industries as well as generation of thermal power. Lignite mined in Darjeeling is used to make briquettes. Coal deposits are also found along the Ajoy river in Birbhum district.^[10]

Fireclay and china clay are also mined. West Bengal ranks next to Bihar and Madhya Pradesh in production of fireclay.^[10] Most of this mineral is extracted in the Raniganj region, along with a small quantity extracted from Birbhum and Purulia. In 1993–94, 124,000 metric tons of fireclay were produced in West Bengal.^[10] China clay—used in the pottery, paper, textile, rubber, and paint industries—is unearthed at Mohammad Bazar in Birbhum and Mejia in Bankura. The rest of the production comes from Purulia, Bardhaman, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri.

Limestone, copper, iron ore, wolframite, manganese, and dolomite are also mined in small quantities.^[10] Limestone—used in the cement industry—is mined in Bankura, Purulia, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri.^[10] There are copper mines in Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Small quantities of low-quality iron ore are mined in Bardhaman, Purulia, Birbhum, and Darjeeling.^[10] There is manganese in the Jhargram region of Paschim Medinipur, Purulia, and Bardhaman. Wolframite is mined at Jhilimili in Bankura.^[10] The state's production of dolomite comes from the Dooars region of Jalpaiguri. 38.5 thousand tonnes of dolomite were raised in 1993–94.^[10]

There are possible deposits of mineral oil and natural gas in the areas near the Bay of Bengal, in Purba Medinipur, Sundarbans, South 24 Parganas, and North Bengal plains.^[10] Research is ongoing in various places to locate natural gas.

References

↑ ^1.0 ^1.1 "Groundwater Arsenic Contamination Status in West Bengal". Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in West Bengal – India (17 Years Study). School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University. Retrieved 29 October 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)
↑ "Statistical Facts about India". indianmirror.com. Retrieved 26 October 2006.
↑ ^3.0 ^3.1 "Urban agglomerations/cities having population 1 million and above" (PDF). Provisional population totals, census of India 2011. The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2012.
↑ ^4.0 ^4.1 "Cities having population 1 lakh and above, census 2011" (PDF). Provisional population totals, census of India 2011. The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 18 October 2011.
↑ "Attractions of Sandakphu". Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.
↑ "Darjeeling Himalayan Railway". Retrieved 8 March 2021.
↑ Kar, Nabendu Sekhar (9 January 2016), "Lateritic Badland of Sinhati, Bankura, West Bengal: A Geomorphic Investigation", Springer Geography, pp. 19–31, ISBN 978-3-319-26443-1, retrieved 26 February 2022{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)
↑ Mandal, Rahul; Chakrabarty, Premangshu (1 June 2021). "Badlands of Gangani in West Bengal, India: An assessment on account of geotourism development". International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks. Exploration of Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism. 9 (2): 147–156. doi:10.1016/j.ijgeop.2021.02.001. ISSN 2577-4441. S2CID 233918897.
↑ "Environmental Issues". West Bengal Human Development Report 2004. Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal. 2004. pp. 176–178. ISBN 81-7955-030-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 May 2006. Retrieved 26 August 2006.
↑ ^10.00 ^10.01 ^10.02 ^10.03 ^10.04 ^10.05 ^10.06 ^10.07 ^10.08 ^10.09 ^10.10 ^10.11 ^10.12 ^10.13 ^10.14 ^10.15 ^10.16 ^10.17 ^10.18 ^10.19 ^10.20 ^10.21 ^10.22 Bhattacharya, Sudhansu Sekhar; Gupta, Sushmita (1977). Higher Secondary Economic Geography. Kolkata: Indian Progressive Publishing. pp. 316–359.
↑ ^11.0 ^11.1 "Climate". West Bengal: Land. Suni System (P) Ltd. Retrieved 5 September 2006.
↑ "kal Baisakhi". Glossary of Meteorology. American Meteorological Society. Archived from the original on 30 August 2006. Retrieved 5 September 2006.

Template:Geography of India by state or territory

[arsenicwb-1] 1.0 ^1.1 "Groundwater Arsenic Contamination Status in West Bengal". Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in West Bengal – India (17 Years Study). School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University. Retrieved 29 October 2006.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: deprecated archival service (link)

[area-2] "Statistical Facts about India". indianmirror.com. Retrieved 26 October 2006.

[uapop2011-3] 3.0 ^3.1 "Urban agglomerations/cities having population 1 million and above" (PDF). Provisional population totals, census of India 2011. The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. 2011. Retrieved 26 January 2012.

[cityrank-4] 4.0 ^4.1 "Cities having population 1 lakh and above, census 2011" (PDF). Provisional population totals, census of India 2011. The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India. Retrieved 18 October 2011.

[5] "Attractions of Sandakphu". Archived from the original on 12 November 2021. Retrieved 8 March 2021.

[6] "Darjeeling Himalayan Railway". Retrieved 8 March 2021.

[7] Kar, Nabendu Sekhar (9 January 2016), "Lateritic Badland of Sinhati, Bankura, West Bengal: A Geomorphic Investigation", Springer Geography, pp. 19–31, ISBN 978-3-319-26443-1, retrieved 26 February 2022{{citation}}: CS1 maint: work parameter with ISBN (link)

[8] Mandal, Rahul; Chakrabarty, Premangshu (1 June 2021). "Badlands of Gangani in West Bengal, India: An assessment on account of geotourism development". International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks. Exploration of Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism. 9 (2): 147–156. doi:10.1016/j.ijgeop.2021.02.001. ISSN 2577-4441. S2CID 233918897.

[hdrchap1-9] "Environmental Issues". West Bengal Human Development Report 2004. Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal. 2004. pp. 176–178. ISBN 81-7955-030-3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 27 May 2006. Retrieved 26 August 2006.

[hsecogeo-10] 10.00 ^10.01 ^10.02 ^10.03 ^10.04 ^10.05 ^10.06 ^10.07 ^10.08 ^10.09 ^10.10 ^10.11 ^10.12 ^10.13 ^10.14 ^10.15 ^10.16 ^10.17 ^10.18 ^10.19 ^10.20 ^10.21 ^10.22 Bhattacharya, Sudhansu Sekhar; Gupta, Sushmita (1977). Higher Secondary Economic Geography. Kolkata: Indian Progressive Publishing. pp. 316–359.

[webindia-11] 11.0 ^11.1 "Climate". West Bengal: Land. Suni System (P) Ltd. Retrieved 5 September 2006.

[kalboisakhi-12] "kal Baisakhi". Glossary of Meteorology. American Meteorological Society. Archived from the original on 30 August 2006. Retrieved 5 September 2006.

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[4]

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v t e Geography of India
Geology	Fossil Parks Geology of India Indian Plate Stones
Landforms	Beaches Canals Desert Extreme points Glaciers Islands Lakes Mountains Rivers Valleys Volcanoes Waterfalls Plains Indo-Gangetic Eastern Coastal Western Coastal
Regions	North India Northeast India East India South India West India Central India
Subdivisions	States and territories Autonomous areas Divisions Districts Cities Towns Municipalities
Environment and climate	Biogeographic classification Ecoregions Fauna Flora Forests Issues Protected Areas Wildlife

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-{{short description|overview of the geography of the Indian state}}
+{{Short description|none}} <!-- "none" is preferred when the title is sufficiently descriptive; see [[BP:SDNONE]] -->
 {{Use Indian English|date=October 2016}}
-{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2016}}
+{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2022}}
 [[Image:India West Bengal locator map.svg|thumb|Location of West Bengal]]
-'''Geography of West Bengal''', a [[States and territories of India|state]] in eastern [[India]], is diverse,  of high peaks of [[Himalaya]] in the northern extremes to where Himalayas are in the north and sea is at the south, with both plains and plateaus covering the remaining region.
+The '''Geography of [[West Bengal]]''', a [[States and territories of India|state]] in eastern [[India]], is primarily defined by plains and plateaus, with the high peaks of the [[Himalaya]]s in the north and the [[Bay of Bengal]] to the south.
 ==Location and extent==
-[[Image:WestBengalDistricts numbered.svg|thumb|250px|Districts of West Bengal|alt=22nd District: Jhargram ; 23rd District: Paschim Bardhaman]]
+[[Image:WestBengalDistricts numbered.svg|thumb|250px|[[Districts of West Bengal]]|alt=22nd District: Jhargram; 23rd District: Paschim Bardhaman]]
-[[West Bengal]] is on the eastern bottleneck of India, stretching from the [[Himalaya]]s in the north to the [[Bay of Bengal]] in the south. It lies between 85&nbsp;degree&nbsp;50&nbsp;minutes and 89&nbsp;degree&nbsp;50&nbsp;minutes east longitude, and 21&nbsp;degrees&nbsp;25&nbsp;minutes and 27&nbsp;degrees&nbsp;13&nbsp;minutes north latitude.<ref name=arsenicwb>{{cite web
+West Bengal is on the eastern neck of India, stretching from the [[Himalaya]]s in the north to the [[Bay of Bengal]] in the south. It lies between 85&nbsp;degree&nbsp;50&nbsp;minutes and 89&nbsp;degree&nbsp;50&nbsp;minutes east longitude, and 21&nbsp;degrees&nbsp;25&nbsp;minutes and 27&nbsp;degrees&nbsp;13&nbsp;minutes north latitude.<ref name=arsenicwb>{{cite web| url = http://www.soesju.org/arsenic/wb.htm| title = Groundwater Arsenic Contamination Status in West Bengal| access-date = 29 October 2006| work = Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in West Bengal – India (17 Years Study)| publisher = School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University| archive-date = 28 December 2012| archive-url = https://archive.today/20121228044845/http://www.soesju.org/arsenic/wb.htm| url-status = dead}}</ref> The state has a total area of {{convert|88752|km2|sqmi|0}}.<ref name=area>{{cite web
-| url = http://www.soesju.org/arsenic/wb.htm| title = Groundwater Arsenic Contamination Status in West Bengal | access-date = 29 October 2006| work = Groundwater Arsenic Contamination in West Bengal – India (17 Years Study)| publisher = School of Environmental Studies, Jadavpur University}}</ref> The state has a total area of {{convert|88752|km2|sqmi|0}}.<ref name=area>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.indianmirror.com/geography/geo9.html| title = Statistical Facts about India
-| access-date = 26 October 2006| publisher = www.indianmirror.com
+| access-date = 26 October 2006| publisher = indianmirror.com
-}}</ref> With [[Bangladesh]], which lies on its eastern border, the state forms the ethno-linguistic region of [[Bengal]]. To its northeast lies the states of [[Assam]] and [[Sikkim]] and the country [[Bhutan]], and to its southwest, the state of [[Odisha]]. To the west it borders the state of [[Jharkhand]] and [[Bihar]], and to the northwest, [[Nepal]]. The capital of the state is [[Kolkata]], the [[List of most populous metropolitan areas in India|third-largest]] [[urban agglomeration]] and the [[List of most populous cities in India|seventh-largest city]] in India.
+}}</ref> With [[Bangladesh]] on its eastern border, the state forms the ethno-linguistic region of [[Bengal]]. To its northeast lie the states of [[Assam]] and [[Sikkim]] and the country of [[Bhutan]]. To its southwest is the state of [[Odisha]]. To the west, it borders the states of [[Jharkhand]] and [[Bihar]], and to the northwest, [[Nepal]]. The capital of the state is [[Kolkata]], the [[List of most populous metropolitan areas in India|third-largest]] [[urban agglomeration]] and the [[List of most populous cities in India|seventh-largest city]] in India.
 ==Political geography==
+[[File:Division_Of_West_Bangal_Map.jpg|thumb|[[Divisions of West Bengal]]]]
-There are 23 districts and 5 divisions in [[West Bengal]]. The [[Burdwan Division]] consists of [[Paschim Bardhaman district|Paschim Bardhaman]],   [[Purba Bardhaman district|Purba Bardhaman]], [[Birbhum District|Birbhum]], and [[Hooghly District|Hooghly]], [[Medinipur division]] consists of [[Purba Medinipur District|Purba Medinipur]], [[Paschim Midnapore District|Paschim Medinipur]], [[Jhargram district|Jhargram]], [[Bankura District|Bankura]] and [[Purulia District|Purulia]], the [[Jalpaiguri Division]] consists of [[Alipurduar district|Alipurduar]], [[Cooch Behar district|Cooch Behar]], [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]], [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]], and [[Kalimpong District|Kalimpong]], the [[Malda division]] consists of [[Uttar Dinajpur District|Uttar Dinajpur]], [[Dakshin Dinajpur district|Dakshin Dinajpur]], [[Murshidabad district|Murshidabad]] and [[Malda district|Malda]], and the [[Presidency Division]] consists of [[Kolkata District|Kolkata]], [[Nadia district|Nadia]], [[North 24 Parganas District|North 24 Parganas]], [[South 24 Parganas District|South 24 Parganas]] and [[Howrah District|Howrah]].
+There are 23 districts and 5 divisions in West Bengal. The [[Burdwan Division]] consists of [[Paschim Bardhaman district|Paschim Bardhaman]], [[Purba Bardhaman district|Purba Bardhaman]], [[Birbhum District|Birbhum]], and [[Hooghly District|Hooghly]]; [[Medinipur division]] consists of [[Purba Medinipur District|Purba Medinipur]], [[Paschim Midnapore District|Paschim Medinipur]], [[Jhargram district|Jhargram]], [[Bankura District|Bankura]] and [[Purulia District|Purulia]]; the [[Jalpaiguri Division]] consists of [[Alipurduar district|Alipurduar]], [[Cooch Behar district|Cooch Behar]], [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]], [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]], and [[Kalimpong District|Kalimpong]]; the [[Malda division]] consists of [[Uttar Dinajpur District|Uttar Dinajpur]], [[Dakshin Dinajpur district|Dakshin Dinajpur]], [[Murshidabad district|Murshidabad]] and [[Malda district|Malda]], and the [[Presidency Division]] consists of [[Kolkata District|Kolkata]], [[Nadia district|Nadia]], [[North 24 Parganas District|North 24 Parganas]], [[South 24 Parganas District|South 24 Parganas]] and [[Howrah District|Howrah]]. The newly added 7 districts are Ranaghat, Jangipur, Berhampur, Bishnupur, Sundarban, Icchemati and Bashirhat.
-Each district is governed by a [[district collector]] or district magistrate, appointed either by the [[Indian Administrative Service]] or the [[West Bengal Civil Service]]. Each district is subdivided into Sub-Divisions, governed by a [[Sub-Divisional Magistrate|sub-divisional magistrate]], and again into Blocks. Blocks consists of [[panchayat]]s (village councils) and town [[Municipality|municipalities]]<ref name=arsenicwb/> Often the districts north of the Ganges i.e., [[Cooch Behar district|Cooch Behar]], [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]], kalimpong, [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]], [[Alipurduar district|Alipurduar]], [[North Dinajpur]], [[South Dinajpur]] and [[Malda district|Malda]] are together termed as [[North Bengal]].
+Each district is governed by a [[district collector]] or district magistrate, appointed either by the [[Indian Administrative Service]] or the [[West Bengal Civil Service]]. Each district is subdivided into Sub-Divisions, governed by a [[Sub-Divisional Magistrate|sub-divisional magistrate]], and again into Blocks. Blocks consists of [[Panchayati raj in India|panchayat]]s (village councils) and town [[Municipality|municipalities]].<ref name=arsenicwb/> Often, the districts north of the Ganges (i.e., [[Cooch Behar district|Cooch Behar]], [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]], kalimpong, [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]], [[Alipurduar district|Alipurduar]], [[North Dinajpur]], [[South Dinajpur]], and [[Malda district|Malda]]) are together called [[North Bengal]].
-The capital and largest city of the state is Kolkata – the [[List of most populous metropolitan areas in India|third-largest]] [[urban agglomeration]]<ref name=uapop2011>
+The capital of the state is Kolkata – the [[List of most populous metropolitan areas in India|third-largest]] [[urban agglomeration]]<ref name=uapop2011>
 {{cite web |url= http://censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/india2/Million_Plus_UAs_Cities_2011.pdf |title= Urban agglomerations/cities having population 1 million and above|year=2011|work= Provisional population totals, census of India 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India |access-date=26 January 2012}}</ref> and the [[List of most populous cities in India|seventh-largest city]]<ref name=cityrank>{{cite web
-|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above, census 2011|work= Provisional population totals, census of India 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> in India.[[Asansol]] is the second largest city & urban agglomeration in West Bengal after Kolkata.<ref name=uapop2011/> [[Siliguri]] is an economically important city, strategically located in the northeastern [[Siliguri Corridor]] (Chicken's Neck) of India. Other major [[cities and towns in West Bengal]] are [[Howrah]], [[Durgapur, West Bengal|Durgapur]], [[Raniganj]], [[Haldia]], [[Jalpaiguri]], [[Kharagpur, West Bengal|Kharagpur]], [[Burdwan]], [[Darjeeling]], [[Midnapore]], and [[English Bazar|Malda]].<ref name=cityrank/>
+|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011-prov-results/paper2/data_files/India2/Table_2_PR_Cities_1Lakh_and_Above.pdf|title=Cities having population 1 lakh and above, census 2011|work= Provisional population totals, census of India 2011|publisher=The Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India|access-date=18 October 2011}}</ref> in India. [[Asansol]] is the second largest city and urban agglomeration in West Bengal after Kolkata.<ref name=uapop2011/> [[Siliguri]] is an economically important city, strategically located in the northeastern [[Siliguri Corridor]] (Chicken's Neck) of India. Other major [[cities and towns in West Bengal]] are [[Howrah]], [[Durgapur, West Bengal|Durgapur]], [[Raniganj]], [[Haldia]], [[Jalpaiguri]], [[Kharagpur, West Bengal|Kharagpur]], [[Burdwan]], [[Darjeeling]], [[Midnapore]], and [[English Bazar|Malda]].<ref name=cityrank/>
 ==Landforms==
 ===Darjeeling Himalayan hill region===
+{{main|Darjeeling Himalayan hill region}}
+[[Image:Teestavalley.jpg|right|thumb|[[List of National Highways in India|National Highway 31A]] winds along the [[Teesta River]] near [[Kalimpong]], in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region.]]
+Darjeeling Himalayan hill region is situated to the north of the state. This region belongs to the [[Eastern Himalaya]] range. The entire [[Darjeeling district]] (except the [[Siliguri]] subdivision and northern parts of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar districts) falls under this zone, which starts abruptly from the [[Terai region]]. The deep gorges of [[Teesta River]], which runs from north to south have divided this mountainous region into two parts: the western mountains (west of Teesta) and the eastern mountains (east of Teesta).
+==== The Western Mountains ====
+[[Image:Kanchendzonga from sandakaphu.jpg|thumb| Singalila Range and [[Kangchenjunga|Kanchenjungha]] from [[Sandakphu]]]]
+The western mountains are the higher part of Darjeeling Himalayan range, with an average height of {{Convert|2200|m|ft|abbr=on}}. They spread from Nepal border to the Teesta river, and primarily consist of two mountain ranges: the Singalila Range and the Darjeeling range. The [[Singalila Ridge|Singalila Range]] is located along the border of Darjeeling district and [[Nepal]]. It separates West Bengal from Nepal. Singalila starts from Western Sikkim and penetrates into Darjeeling district. It has four important peaks higher than 3,000 m: [[Sandakphu]] (3,636 m), [[Phalut]] (3,595 m), Sabargram (3,543 m), and [[Tonglu, West Bengal|Tonglu]] (3,036 m). Among the Himalayan ranges of this region, Singalila Range hosts Sandakphu (3,636 m), the highest peak in West Bengal.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbtourismgov.in/destination/attractions_activities/sandakphu|title=Attractions of Sandakphu|accessdate=8 March 2021|archive-date=12 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112161946/https://www.wbtourismgov.in/destination/attractions_activities/sandakphu|url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Kanchenjunga]] (the world's 3rd highest peak), [[Everest]] (world's highest peak), [[Lhotse]] (world's 4th highest peak), and [[Makalu]] (world's 5th highest peak) can be seen from the Singalila Range.
-{{main|Darjeeling Himalayan hill region}}
+The Darjeeling range rises steadily from Terai area. Located within this range, [[Ghum, West Bengal|Ghum]] railway station (2,258 m) is the highest rail station in India. The famous [[Tiger Hill, Darjeeling|Tiger Hill]] (2,567 m) is situated at the middle of this mountain chain and is a viewpoint from which some of the world's tallest peaks can be seen, including Kanchenjunga, Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. Three minor mountain chains start from Tiger Hill: Darjeeling Lebong in the north, Takdah Peshok in the northeast, and Bagora Dowhill in the south. Sinchal (2,615 m) is one of the well-known peaks here.
-Darjeeling Himalayan hill region is situated to the north of the state. This region belongs to the [[Eastern Himalaya]] range. The entire [[Darjeeling district]] except the [[Siliguri]] subdivision and northern part of Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar district falls under this zone. It starts abruptly from the [[Terai region]]. The deep gorge of [[Teesta River]], which runs from north to south has divided this mountainous region into two parts: '''1. the western mountain ( west part of Teesta)''' and '''2. The eastern mountains ( east part of Teesta).'''
+==== The Eastern Mountains ====
-;1. THE WESTERN MOUNTAINS: It is the higher part of Darjeeling Himalayan range, with an average height of 2200m. It is spread from Nepal borders to teesta river. In this part, two main ranges are observed- '''Singalila range''' and '''Darjeeling range '''.
+The eastern side of the Darjeeling Himalayan mountains are lower than the western side, with an average altitude of {{Convert|1900|m|ft|abbr=on}}. Durpin Dara and Chola are two major mountain chains of this part.
-'''1. Singalila range''': The Singalila range is located along the border of [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]] and [[Nepal]]. It separates West Bengal from Nepal. Singalila
+The Durpin Dara chain holds the highest peak of eastern part: Rishila, at {{convert|3121|m|ft|0}}. There are two peaks, Renigango (1,885 m) and Chhoto Sinchula (1726m) to the north of Jalpaiguri district. The Buxa hill is located at the east end of this region. Sangchuli is the highest peak of the Buxa hills. [[Kalimpong]] town is one of the well-known towns of this area.
-penetrates into Darjeeling district, being started from Western Sikkim. It has four important peaks higher than 3000m,– [[Sandakphu]] (3636m), [[Phalut]] (3595m), Sabargram (3543m) and [[Tonglu, West Bengal|Tonglu]] (3036m). Among the Himalayan ranges of this region, [[Singalila Ridge|Singalila range]] hosts '''Sandakphu, at {{convert|3636|m|ft|0}}, is the highest peak of West Bengal'''.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wbtourismgov.in/destination/attractions_activities/sandakphu|title = Attractions of Sandakphu|accessdate=8 March 2021}}</ref>[[Kanchenjunga]] (world's 3rd highest peak), [[Everest]] (world's highest peak), [[Lhotse]] (world's 4th highest peak) and [[Makalu]] (world's 5th highest peak) can be seen from Singalila range.
-'''2. Darjeeling range ''': Darjeeling range has risen up steadily from Terai area. '''[[Ghum, West Bengal|Ghum]] railway station (2258m) of this range is the highest rail station in India'''. The famous [[Tiger Hill, Darjeeling|Tiger hill]] (2567m) is situated at the middle of this mountain chain. Tiger hill is a view point from where [[Kanchenjunga]] (world's 3rd highest peak), [[Everest]] (world's highest peak), [[Lhotse]] (world's 4th highest peak) and [[Makalu]] (world's 5th highest peak) can be seen. Three minor chains - '''Darjeeling Lebong''' in north, '''Takdah Peshok''' in north-east and '''Bagora Dowhill''' in south has been started from tiger hill. Sinchal (2615m) is one of the well known peaks of here.
-;2. THE EASTERN MOUNTAINS: It is the lower part of Darjeeling Himalayan mountains with an average altitude of 1900m. Durpin dara and Chola are two major mountain chains of this part.
-'''Durpin dara''' chain holds the highest peak of eastern part, '''Rishila''' at {{convert|3121|m|ft|0}}. There are two peaks, '''Renigango (1885m)''' and '''chhoto Sinchula (1726m)''' to the north of Jalpaiguri district. The Buxa hill is located at the east end of this region. '''Sangchuli''' is the highest peak of the Buxa hills.
-[[Kalimpong]] town is one of the well known towns of this area.
-''Note that Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (simply known as toy train) has been listed in [[UNESCO]] world heritage sites.''<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/heritage/darjeeling-himalayan-railway.html|title=Darjeeling Himalayan Railway|accessdate = 8 March 2021}}</ref>
+The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (simply known as "toy train") has been listed in [[UNESCO]] world heritage sites.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.tourmyindia.com/heritage/darjeeling-himalayan-railway.html|title=Darjeeling Himalayan Railway|accessdate = 8 March 2021}}</ref>
-[[Image:Kanchendzonga from sandakaphu.jpg|thumb| Singalila Range and [[Kangchenjunga|Kanchenjungha]] from Sandakphu]]
 ===Terai region===
@@ Line 50: / Line 46: @@
 {{main| Terai}}
 {{see also|Dooars}}
+[[Image:Tea garden in dooars.jpg|thumb|A tea garden in Dooars with the background of the Himalayas]]
-The ‘‘Terai’’ ("moist land") is a belt of marshy [[grassland]]s, [[savanna]]s, and [[forest]]s at the base of the Himalaya range stretching southwards to about 38&nbsp;km. Above the Terai belt lies the [[Bhabar]], a forested belt of rock, gravel, and soil eroded from the Himalayas. The Terai zone is composed of alternate layers of clay and sand, with a high water table that creates many springs and [[wetland]]s. The Terai zone is inundated yearly by the [[monsoon]]-swollen rivers of the Himalaya. The ''Terai-Duar savanna and grasslands'' is an ecoregion that stretches across the middle of the Terai belt. The Terai-Duar savanna and wetlands are a mosaic of tall grasslands, savannas and evergreen and deciduous forests. The Terai and Dooars region politically constitute the plains of [[Darjeeling District]], whole of [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]] and [[Alipurduar district]] and upper region of [[Cooch Behar District]] in [[West Bengal]]. The slope of the land is gentle, from north to south. The general height of the land is 80 to 100 m. The entire region is made up of sand, gravel and pebbles laid down by the [[Himalayan rivers]] like the [[Teesta River|Teesta]], [[Torsa River|Torsa]], [[Raidak]], [[Jaldhaka]], [[Sankosh]], [[Mahananda River|Mahananda]] and several other small rivulets. The Teesta has divided the area into two parts- the western part is known as the [[Terai]] whereas the eastern part is known as the [[Dooars]] or Duars. The Dooars region can be further subdivided into the Siliguri or Western Dooars, the middle or Jalpaiguri Dooars and the eastern or Alipur Dooars.
+The Teesta River divides the area into two parts: the [[Terai]] to the west and the [[Dooars]] (or Duars) to the east. The Dooars region can be further subdivided into the Siliguri (Western) Dooars, the Jalpaiguri (Middle) Dooars, and the Alipur (Eastern) Dooars.
-[[Image:Tea garden in dooars.jpg|thumb|A tea garden in Dooars with the background of the Himalayas.]]
+The Terai ("moist land") is a belt of marshy [[grassland]]s, [[savanna]]s, and [[forest]]s at the base of the Himalaya range stretching southwards about 38&nbsp;km. Above the Terai belt lies the [[Bhabar]], a forested belt of rock, gravel, and soil eroded from the Himalayas. The Terai zone is composed of alternate layers of clay and sand, with a high water table that creates many springs and [[wetland]]s. The Terai zone is inundated yearly by the [[monsoon]]-swollen rivers of the Himalayas. The [[Terai–Duar savanna and grasslands]] is an ecoregion that stretches across the middle of the Terai belt, consisting of tall grasslands, savannas, evergreen forests, and deciduous forests [.
+The Terai and [[Dooars]] region politically constitute the plains of [[Darjeeling District]], the whole of [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]] and [[Alipurduar district]], and the upper region of [[Cooch Behar District]] in [[West Bengal]]. The slope of the land is gentle, from north to south. The general height of the land is 80–100&nbsp;m. The entire region is made up of sand, gravel, and pebbles laid down by Himalayan rivers including the [[Teesta River|Teesta]], [[Torsa River|Torsa]], [[Raidak]], [[Jaldhaka]], [[Sankosh]], and [[Mahananda River|Mahananda]].
 ===North Bengal plains===
 {{main|North Bengal plains}}
-North Bengal plain start from the south of [[Terai region]] and continues up to the left bank of the [[Ganges]]. The southern parts of the district [[Jalpaiguri]], [[North Dinajpur]] baring some extreme northern regions, [[South Dinajpur]], [[Malda district|Malda]], [[Alipurduar]] and southern part of [[Cooch Behar]] districts constitute this geographical region. The narrow land mass in the [[North Dinajpur district]] is known as Mahananda Corridor. This corridor runs north to south joining [[Malda district|Malda]] with the plains of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. The entire part of North and South Dinajpur is silt laden plain.
+The North Bengal plains start from the south of Terai region and continue up to the left bank of the [[Ganges]]. The southern parts of the district [[Jalpaiguri]], [[North Dinajpur]] baring some extreme northern regions, [[South Dinajpur]], [[Malda district|Malda]], [[Alipurduar]] and southern part of [[Cooch Behar]] districts constitute this geographical region. The narrow land mass in the [[North Dinajpur district]] is known as Mahananda Corridor. This corridor runs north to south joining [[Malda district|Malda]] with the plains of Jalpaiguri, Alipurduar and Cooch Behar. The entire part of North and South Dinajpur is silt laden plain.
-[[Mahananda River]] divides the district of [[Malda district|Malda]] into two parts. The eastern part consists of undulating plains and some tilas and is made up of old [[alluvium]] and is a part of the [[Ganges delta]]. It is also known as Barind or Barendrabhumi. In contrast to the eastern part, the western part is made up of new alluvium and in this part River [[Kalindi River|Kalindi]] joins the [[Mahananda River]]. The part of Malda lying to the north of river Kalindi is known as tal. This is a lowland and covered with [[swamp]]s and [[beel]]s (small water bodies). Whereas the area south of the Kalindi is a very fertile land and is known as diara.
+The [[Mahananda River]] divides the district of [[Malda district|Malda]] into two parts. The eastern part (known as Barind or Barendrabhumi) consists of undulating plains and ''[[Inselberg|tilas]]'', and is made up of old [[alluvium]] and is part of the [[Ganges Delta]]. In contrast, the western part is made up of new alluvium, and here the [[Kalindi River]] joins the Mahananda River. The area north of the Kalindi River is a lowland covered with [[swamp]]s and [[beel]]s (small water bodies) and is known as ''tal''. In contrast, the area south of the Kalindi is a very fertile land and is known as ''diara''.
-The plain in the south of [[Jalpaiguri]], [[Alipurduar]] and [[Cooch Behar district]] is also made of new alluvium deposited by numerous rivers like the [[Teesta River|Teesta]], [[Torsa River|Torsa]], [[Raidak]], [[Jaldhaka]], [[Sankosh]], [[Balason River|Balason]], [[Punarbhaba River|Punarbhaba]], [[Atrai River|Atrai]] and several other small rivulets.
+The plain south of [[Jalpaiguri]], [[Alipurduar]], and [[Cooch Behar district]] is also made of new alluvium deposited by numerous rivers including the [[Teesta River|Teesta]], [[Torsa River|Torsa]], [[Raidak]], [[Jaldhaka]], [[Sankosh]], [[Balason River|Balason]], [[Punarbhaba River|Punarbhaba]], and [[Atrai River|Atrai]] [1].
 ===Rarh region===
 {{main|Rarh region}}
-Rarh is the region that intervenes between the [[Vajjabhumi]] and the [[Ganges Delta]]. Parts of the districts [[Murshidabad]], [[Birbhum]], [[Bankura]], [[Purba Bardhaman]], [[Paschim Bardhaman]], [[Purba Medinipur]] and [[Paschim Medinipur]] constitute this region. The region is about 50 to 100 &nbsp;m above the [[sea level]]. This region is believed to be created from the soil from the [[Geography of India#Highlands|Deccan plateau]]. The area is formed by the silt brought by the tributaries of [[Bhagirathi River|Bhagirathi]], [[Mayurakshi River]], [[Ajay River]], [[Damodar River|Damodar]] and [[Rupnarayan River]] which flow over the western plateau region made up of laterite soil make the soil of the area red in colour. The land slope is from west to the south-east and formation of natural [[levees]] along the river banks is a common phenomenon.
+Rarh is the region that intervenes between the [[Vajjabhumi]] and the Ganges Delta. This region is composed of parts of the districts [[Murshidabad]], [[Birbhum]], [[Bankura]], [[Purba Bardhaman]], [[Paschim Bardhaman]], [[Purba Medinipur]], and [[Paschim Medinipur]]. The region is about 50–100&nbsp;m above [[sea level]], and is believed to consist of soil from the [[Geography of India#The Peninsular Plateau|Deccan plateau]]. The area is formed by the silt brought by the tributaries of the [[Bhagirathi River|Bhagirathi]], [[Mayurakshi River]], [[Ajay River]], [[Damodar River|Damodar]], and [[Rupnarayan River|Rupnarayan]] rivers, which flow through the red [[laterite soil]] of the western plateau region. The land is sloped from west to southeast, and the formation of natural [[levees]] along the riverbanks is a common phenomenon.
 ===Coastal plain===
-A small coastal region is on the extreme south of the state. A part of the district of [[Purba Medinipur]] along the [[Bay of Bengal]] constitutes the coastal plain.  This emergent coastal plain is made up of sand and mud deposited by rivers and by wind. Parallel to the coast are colonies of sand dunes and marshy areas. The [[Digha|Digha dune]] lies nearest to the [[Bay of Bengal]] while the [[Kanthi|Kanthi dune]] is the farthest from it. In some areas dunes occur at a distance of 15–16&nbsp;km from the coast and are 11–12 m high.
+[[File:Shankarpur, 2004.JPG|thumb|[[Shankarpur]] beach near [[Digha]] is a part of this coastal plain]]
-[[Image:Desolation.JPG|thumb|[[Shankarpur]] beach near [[Digha]] is a part of this coastal plain]]
+A small coastal region is on the extreme south of the state. A part of the district of [[Purba Medinipur]] along the [[Bay of Bengal]] constitutes the coastal plain. This emergent coastal plain is made up of sand and mud deposited by rivers and wind. Parallel to the coast are areas of sand dunes and marsh. The [[Digha|Digha dunes]] lie nearest to the [[Bay of Bengal]], while the Kanthi dunes are the farthest from it. In some areas, dunes occur at a distance of 15–16&nbsp;km from the coast and are 11–12&nbsp;m high [2].
-===Sunderbans===
+===Western plateau and high lands===
-{{main|Sunderbans}}
+{{main|Vajjabhumi}}
-The '''Sundarbans''' [[river delta|delta]] is the largest [[mangrove]] forest in the world situated in the [[South 24 Parganas]] district. It lies at the mouth of the [[Ganges River|Ganges]] and is spread across areas of [[Bangladesh]] and [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. The Bangladeshi and Indian portions of the jungle are listed in the [[UNESCO]] [[world heritage]] list separately as the Sundarbans and [[Sundarbans National Park]] respectively, though they are parts of the same forest. The Sundarbans are intersected by a complex network of [[tide|tidal]] waterways, [[mudflat]]s and small [[island]]s of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and presents an excellent example of ongoing [[ecology|ecological]] processes. The general average height of the area is 10 m. This area has been created by deposition of silt by its numerous rivers namely, [[Hooghly River|Hoogly]], [[Matla River]], [[Thakuran River|Jamira River]], [[Gosaba River]], [[Saptamukhi River]], [[Haribhanga River]] and their tributaries. The formation of the delta is an ongoing process and new [[wikt:Special:Search/bars|bars]] and [[islands]] are being created along the rivers and at the river mouth. A large section of the area remains under water during incoming times.
-The area is known for its wide range of fauna. The most famous among these is the [[royal Bengal tiger]], but numerous species of [[bird]]s, spotted [[deer]], [[crocodile]]s and [[snake]]s also inhabit it. It is estimated that there are now 400 Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.
+[[File:Susunia.jpg|thumb|Susunia hill]]The western part of [[Purulia]], [[Bankura]], [[Birbhum]], [[Bardhaman]], and [[Paschim Medinipur]] districts constitute the western plateau and highlands, which form the eastern fringes of the [[Chota Nagpur Plateau]]. Geologically, this area is made of [[igneous rocks]] of the [[Archean|Archaean]] era as well as coal-bearing [[mudstone]] and [[quartzite]] rocks of [[Carboniferous]] period. Because of long and continuous erosion, the whole region has been transformed into an undulating [[peneplain]]. This area is interspersed by small [[monadnocks]] locally known as ''tila''. Some of the important hills in the area include [[Ajodhya Hills]] (677 m), Panchet (643 m), and [[Baghmundi]] in Purulia, and [[Biharinath]] (452 m) and [[Susunia]] (442 m) in Bankura. Gorgaburu in the Ayodhya Hills (677 m) is the highest point in the region.
-[[Image:Sunderbans 059.jpg|thumb|A river in Sunderbans]]
+The average altitude in the area ranges from 100 to 500&nbsp;m. The area has a slope from the west to the east.
-===Western plateau and high lands===
+There are some [[badlands]] in this region. The Sinhati Badlands are located 4&nbsp;km northwest of Bishnupur town in the Sinhati area of Bankura district.<ref>{{Citation|last=Kar|first=Nabendu Sekhar|title=Lateritic Badland of Sinhati, Bankura, West Bengal: A Geomorphic Investigation|date=2016-01-09|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290542359|work=Springer Geography|pages=19–31|isbn=978-3-319-26443-1|access-date=2022-02-26}}</ref> The Gangani (or Garbheta) Badlands are located in Paschim Midinipur district beside river Shilabati. These badlands are also known as Grand Canyon of West Bengal.<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Mandal|first1=Rahul|last2=Chakrabarty|first2=Premangshu|date=2021-06-01|title=Badlands of Gangani in West Bengal, India: An assessment on account of geotourism development|journal=International Journal of Geoheritage and Parks|series=Exploration of Geoheritage, Geoparks and Geotourism|language=en|volume=9|issue=2|pages=147–156|doi=10.1016/j.ijgeop.2021.02.001|s2cid=233918897 |issn=2577-4441|doi-access=free}}</ref>
-{{main|Western plateau and high lands}}
-The Western plateau and highlands forms the eastern fringes of the [[Chota Nagpur Plateau]] and is made up of [[igneous rocks]] of the [[Archean|Archaean]] era as well as coal-bearing [[mudstone]] and [[quartzite]] rocks of [[Carboniferous]] period. The western part of [[Purulia]], [[Bankura]], [[Birbhum]], [[Bardhaman]] and [[Paschim Medinipur]] district constitutes this area.  Because of long and continuous erosion, the whole region has been transformed into an undulating [[peneplain]]. This area is interspersed by small [[monadnocks]] locally known as tila. Some of the important hills in the area include [[Ajodhya Hills]] (677 m), Panchet (643 m) and [[Baghmundi]] of Purulia, [[Biharinath]] (452 m) and [[Susunia]] (442 m) of Bankura. The area has a slope from the west to the east. The altitude in the area ranges from 500 to 100 m. Gorgaburu in the Ayodhya Hills (677 m) is the highest point in the region.
-[[File:Susunia.jpg|thumb|Susunia hill]]
 ===Ganges delta===
-{{main|Ganges delta}}
+{{main|Ganges Delta}}
-The Ganges delta consists of the whole of [[Nadia district|Nadia]], [[Kolkata]], [[North 24 Parganas]], and [[South 24 Parganas]] [[districts of west bengal|districts]] and the Eastern half of [[Murshidabad district]]. [[River Ganges]] passes through this vast area and divides into three distinct parts – the old delta, the mature delta and the active delta.
+[[Image:Ganges River Delta, Bangladesh, India.jpg|thumb|Ganges river delta, in Bangladesh and India]]
-The old delta consists of the districts of Murshidabad and Nadia. The formation of delta is complete and the rivers here are heavily silted and many have even dried up in due course of time. Silted rivers, swamps, [[beel]]s and [[oxbow lake]]s forms the area. This area is also known as Bagri region.
+The Ganges Delta covers the entirety of [[Nadia district|Nadia]], [[Kolkata]], [[North 24 Parganas]], and [[South 24 Parganas]] districts, and the eastern half of [[Murshidabad district]]. The Ganges passes through this vast area and divides into three distinct parts: the old delta, the mature delta, and the active delta.
-The districts of [[Kolkata]] and [[North 24 Parganas]] form mature delta region. The rivers are slow and meandering and frequently shift their courses. Swamps, [[beel]]s and oxbow lakes characterises the scenery.
+The old delta consists of the districts of Murshidabad and Nadia. The formation of delta is complete and the rivers here are heavily silted and many have even dried up over time. Silted rivers, swamps, [[beel]]s, and [[oxbow lake]]s form the area. This area is also known as Bagri region.
-The district of South 24 Parganas is known to be the active delta of the Ganges, where the formation of delta is still an ongoing process.
-[[Image:Ganges River Delta, Bangladesh, India.jpg|thumb|Ganges River Delta, Bangladesh and India]]
+The districts of [[Kolkata]] and North 24 Parganas form mature delta region. The rivers are slow and meandering and frequently shift their courses. Swamps, [[beel]]s, and oxbow lakes characterise the scenery. The district of South 24 Parganas is known to be the active delta of the Ganges, where the formation of the delta is still an ongoing process.
 ==Agro-climatic groups==
-[[Image:PaddyandjuteBengal.JPG|thumb|Agriculture is leading occupation in the state. Shown here are freshly sown saplings of paddy; in the background are stacks of jute sticks]]
+[[Image:PaddyandjuteBengal.JPG|thumb|Agriculture is leading occupation in the state. Shown here are freshly sown saplings of paddy; in the background are stacks of jute sticks.]]
 Depending on soil and climate variations, West Bengal can be divided into six broad divisions:<ref name=hdrchap1>{{cite book
   |title       = West Bengal Human Development Report 2004
   |year        = 2004
   |url         = http://www.undp.org.in/hdrc/shdr/WB/
- |format      = PDF
   |access-date  = 26 August 2006
   |publisher   = Development and Planning Department, Government of West Bengal
@@ Line 117: / Line 108: @@
   |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060527075941/http://www.undp.org.in/hdrc/shdr/WB/
   |archive-date = 27 May 2006
- |df          = dmy-all
 }}</ref>
 *The hill region in the north
-*The terai and Teesta alluvial region of North Bengal
+*The Terai and Teesta alluvial region of North Bengal
 *The laterectic, red and gravely undulating region in the west
 *The coastal alluvial region in the south
-*The gangetic alluvial region in the east
+*The Gangetic alluvial region in the east
 *The Vindhya alluvial region in the centre
 ==Rivers==
-[[Image:HooghlyRiverOverBally gobeirne.jpg|thumb|Hooghly River viewed over the town of [[Bally, Howrah]].]]
+[[Image:HooghlyRiverOverBally gobeirne.jpg|thumb|Hooghly River viewed over the town of [[Bally, Howrah]]]]
-[[Image:Teestavalley.jpg|right|thumb|[[Indian highways|National Highway]] [[List of National Highways in India|31A]] winds along the banks of the [[Teesta River]] near [[Kalimpong]], in the Darjeeling Himalayan hill region.]]
+The [[Ganges]] enters West Bengal near [[Rajmahal]] and then flows in a southeasterly direction. It divides in two near north of [[Dhulian]] in [[Murshidabad district]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/> One branch enters Bangladesh as the [[Padma River|Padma]] (or ''Pôdda''), while the other flows through West Bengal as the Bhagirathi and [[Hooghly River]] in a southern direction. The Bhagirathi-Hooghly is the main river in West Bengal, and flows past some of the important cities like [[Murshidabad]], [[Baharampur]], [[Nabadwip]], [[Chinsurah]], [[Chandannagar]], [[Srirampur, India|Srirampur]], [[Howrah]], [[Kolkata]], [[Diamond Harbour]], and [[Haldia]]. It empties into [[Bay of Bengal]] near [[Sagar Island]] in the [[South 24 Parganas]] district.<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
-Ganges enters West Bengal near [[Rajmahal]] and then flows in a south-easterly direction. It divides into two near north of [[Dhulian]] in [[Murshidabad district]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/> One branch enters Bangladesh as the ''[[Padma River|Padma]]'' or ''Pôdda'', while the other flows through West Bengal as the Bhagirathi and [[River Hooghly|Hooghly River]] in a southern direction. The Bhagirathi-Hoogly is the main river in West Bengal which flows past some of the important cities like [[Murshidabad]], [[Baharampur]], [[Nabadwip]], [[Chinsura]], [[Chandannagar]], [[Srirampur, India|Srirampur]], [[Howrah]], [[Kolkata]], [[Diamond Harbour]] and [[Haldia]]. It empties its water into [[Bay of Bengal]] near [[Sagar Island]] in the [[South 24 Parganas]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
+Numerous rivers flow eastwards through West Bengal and join the Bhagirathi on the right bank.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> These include:
+* The [[Mayurakshi River]]—which is fed by the [[Brahmani River (Birbhum)|Brahmani]], [[Dwarka River|Dwarka]], [[Bakreshwar River|Bakreshwar]], and [[Kopai River|Kopai]]—joins the Bhagirathi near [[Kandi, Murshidabad]].
+* The [[Ajay River]], which rises in the hills of [[Bihar]] and is joined by the [[Kunur River|Kunur]], flows down the plateau fringe, marking the boundary between [[Bardhaman district|Bardhaman]] and [[Birbhum district|Birbhum]] districts and joining the Bhagirathi near [[Katwa]].
+* The [[Damodar River]] joins the Bhagirathi near [[Uluberia]]. The river is also known as "the sorrow of Bengal", and controlled by the [[Damodar Valley Project]].
+* The [[Dwarakeswar River|Dwarakeswar]] and [[Shilabati River|Shilabati]] rivers join to form the [[Rupnarayan River]]. The [[Kangsabati]] and [[Keleghai River|Keleghai]] rivers join to form the [[Haldi River]].<ref name="hsecogeo" /> The Rupnarayan and Haldi then join the Bhagirathi in the [[East Midnapur district]].
+* The [[Subarnarekha River]], after flowing for a short distance in West Bengal, re-enters into [[Orissa, India|Orissa]] [1].
+Similarly, several rivers flow westwards into West Bengal and join the Bhagirathi on its left bank.<ref name="hsecogeo" /> These include:
+* The [[Bhairab River]] and the [[Jalangi River]], which join together (then known as Jalangi) before joining the Bhagirathi.
+* The [[Mathabhanga River]], which divides into two branches: the [[River Churni|Churni]] and [[Ichamati River|Ichhamati]]. The Churni meets the Bhagirathi, while the Ichhamati flows southwards and joins the [[Kalindi River]].<ref name="hsecogeo" />
-The [[Mayurakshi River|Mayurakshi]], [[Ajay River|Ajay]], [[Damodar River|Damodar]], [[Kangsabati River|Kangsabati]], [[Rupnarayan River|Rupnarayan]] and their tributaries which rise in the [[Western plateau and high lands]] flow eastwards through the different [[districts of West Bengal]] and joins the Bhagirathi on the right bank.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> The Mayurakshi, which is fed by tributaries [[Brahmani River (Birbhum)|Brahmani]], [[Dwarka River|Dwarka]], [[Bakreshwar River|Bakreshwar]] and [[Kopai River|Kopai]] joins the Bhagirathi near [[Kandi, Murshidabad]], the Ajay, which rises in the hills of [[Bihar]], joined by the [[Kunur River|Kunur]], flows down the plateau fringe, marking the boundary between [[Bardhaman district|Bardhaman]] and [[Birbhum district]]s joins it near [[Katwa]] and Damodar, with its small meandering distributaries, small streams, [[Khari]], Banka and [[Behula]] joins the Bhagirathi near [[Uluberia]]. The Damodar is known as the sorrow of Bengal, is now controlled by making the [[Damodar Valley Project]]. The [[Dwarakeswar River|Dwarakeswar]] and [[Shilabati River|Shilabati]] rivers join to form Rupnarayan and the [[Kangsabati]] and [[Keleghai River|Keleghai]] rivers join to form the [[Haldi River|Haldi]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/> The Rupnarayan and Haldi fall into the Bhagirathi in the East Midnapure district. The [[Subarnarekha River]] after flowing for a short distance in [[West Bengal]] reenters into [[Orissa, India|Orissa]]. These rivers carry with them plenty of water thus keeping the Bhagirathi river submerged with water throughout the year. The rivers along with water carry silt and sand eroded from the western plateaus and deposits them in the Bhagirathi and the rivers themselves. This silting is causing great inconvenience for the [[Kolkata Port]] and often result flooding in the years of heavy rain.<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
+These rivers carry with them plenty of water, keeping the Bhagirathi River submerged with water throughout the year. The rivers also carry silt and sand eroded from the western plateaus and deposit them in the Bhagirathi. This silting causes trouble for the [[Kolkata Port]] and often causes flooding during years of heavy rain.<ref name="hsecogeo" />
-The distributaries of the [[Padma River]] like [[Bhairab River|Bhairab]], [[Jalangi River|Jalangi]], [[Mathabhanga River]] and their tributaries enters West Bengal and joins the [[Bhagirathi River|Bhagirathi]] on its left bank.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> The Bhairab and the Jalangi meet and their joined waters known as Jalangi falls into Bhagirathi. The Mathabhanga divides into branches namely; [[River Churni|Churni]] and [[Ichamati River|Ichhamati]], while the Churni meets the Bhagirathi while the other flows southwards and joins the [[Kalindi River|Kalindi]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
+The [[Sunderbans]] region is covered by numerous estuaries and streams, mainly distributaries of main rivers [3]. The rivers are interconnected and are fed by tidal waters. The major rivers of the area are the [[Hooghly River|Hooghly]], [[Matla River|Matla]], [[Gosaba River|Gosaba]], [[Saptamukhi River|Saptamukhi]], [[Haribhanga River|Haribhanga]], [[Piyali River|Piyali]], [[Thakuran River|Thakuran]] (or Jamira), [[Raimangal River|Raimangal]], [[Kalindi River|Kalindi]], and [[Ichamati River|Ichhamati]] [4].<ref name="hsecogeo" />
-The [[Sunderbans]] region is covered by numerous estuaries and streams, mainly distributaries of main rivers. The rivers are interconnected and are fed by tidal waters. The major rivers of the area are [[Hooghly River|Hoogly]], [[Matla River|Matla]], [[Gosaba River|Gosaba]], [[Saptamukhi River|Saptamukhi]], [[Haribhanga River|Haribhanga]], [[Piyali River|Piyali]], [[Thakuran River|Thakuran/ Jamira]], [[Raimangal River|Raimangal]], [[Kalindi River|Kalindi]] and [[Ichamati River|Ichhamati]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
+The [[Teesta River]] cuts deep [[Canyon|gorges]] from north to south in the mountainous Darjeeling district. It then enters the plains at [[Sevoke]] and flows in a mighty stream in a straight line towards the southeast, until it pours into the [[Brahmaputra River]] in Bangladesh.<ref name="hsecogeo" />
-The [[Teesta River|Teesta]] flows cutting deep [[Canyon|gorges]] from north to south in the mountainous Darjeeling district, it enters the plains at [[Sevoke]] and flows in a mighty stream on straight line towards the south east until it pours its waters into the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> [[Torsa]], [[Jaldhaka]], [[Kaljani]], [[Raidak]], [[Sankosh]] and [[Mahananda River|Mahananda]] rivers are in the northern hilly region which rise in the [[Himalayas]] and flow in a southerly direction through the districts of   [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]], [[Alipurduar district|Alipurduar]], [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]], [[Cooch Behar district|Cooch Behar]] and [[North Dinajpur|North]] and [[South Dinajpur]] and enters [[Bangladesh]]. As most of the rivers are snow fed, so most of the rivers are perennial in nature and often floods during the rainy season.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> The entire region is made up of sand, gravel and pebbles laid down by these rivers.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> The Mahananda rises from the Dow Hills forest, near the town of [[Darjeeling]] and are fed by similar small rivers like, [[Mahananda River|Mahananda]], [[Balason]], and Machi and runs in a zig-zag way through the district of Malda and joins the Padma in Bangladesh. In the central region, the main river is the Mahananda. The [[Tangon River|Tangon]] and [[Punarbhaba River|Punarbhabha]], and [[Atrai River|Atrai]] arises in the plains, while the former two joins together and flows into Mahanadi, [[Atrai River|Atrai]] flows into the Padma.
+The [[Torsa]], [[Jaldhaka]], [[Kaljani]], [[Raidak]], [[Sankosh]], and [[Mahananda River|Mahananda]] rivers originate in the northern hilly region which rise in the [[Himalayas]] and flow in a southerly direction through the districts of [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]], [[Alipurduar district|Alipurduar]], [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]], [[Cooch Behar district|Cooch Behar]] and [[North Dinajpur|North]] and [[South Dinajpur]], before entering [[Bangladesh]]. As most of the rivers are fed by snow, they are perennial in nature and often flood during the rainy season.<ref name="hsecogeo" /> The entire region is made up of sand, gravel, and pebbles laid down by these rivers.<ref name="hsecogeo" /> The Mahananda rises from the Dow Hills forest, near the town of [[Darjeeling]], and runs in a zig-zag course through the district of Malda and joins the Padma in Bangladesh. In the central region, the main river is the Mahananda.{{Clarify|date=December 2022}} The [[Tangon River|Tangon]], [[Punarbhaba River|Punarbhabha]], and [[Atrai River|Atrai]] rivers arise in the plains; the former two join and flow into the [[Mahanadi]], while the Atrai flows into the Padma [1].
 ==Wetlands==
 {{main|Sundarbans}}
-The Sundarbans [[river delta|delta]] is the largest [[mangrove]] forest in the world. It lies at the mouth of the [[Ganges River|Ganges]] and is spread across areas of [[Bangladesh]] and [[West Bengal]], [[India]]. The Bangladeshi and Indian portions of the jungle are listed in the [[UNESCO]] [[world heritage]] list separately as the Sundarbans and [[Sundarbans National Park]] respectively, though they are parts of the same forest. The Sundarbans are intersected by a complex network of [[tide|tidal]] waterways, [[mudflat]]s and small [[island]]s of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and presents an excellent example of ongoing [[ecology|ecological]] processes.
+[[Image:Sundarbans 02.jpg|thumb|[[Heritiera littoralis|Sundari trees]] in the Sundarbans]]
+The Sundarbans delta is the largest [[mangrove]] forest in the world, situated in the [[South 24 Parganas]] district. It lies at the mouth of the [[Ganges River|Ganges]] and is spread across areas of [[Bangladesh]] and West Bengal. The Bangladeshi and Indian portions of the jungle are both [[UNESCO world heritage]] sites, separately listed as the Sundarbans and [[Sundarbans National Park]] respectively, though they are parts of the same forest [3]. The Sundarbans are intersected by a complex network of [[tide|tidal]] waterways, [[mudflat]]s, and small islands of salt-tolerant mangrove forests, and present an excellent example of ongoing ecological processes [4].
-The area is known for its wide range of fauna. The most famous among these is the [[Bengal tiger]], but numerous species of [[bird]]s, spotted [[deer]], [[crocodile]]s and [[snake]]s also inhabit it. It is estimated that there are now 400 Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area.{{citation needed |date=August 2016}}
+The average elevation of the area is 10&nbsp;m. This area has been created by the deposition of silt from its numerous rivers—the [[Hooghly River|Hooghly]], [[Matla River|Matla]], [[Thakuran River|Jamira]], [[Gosaba River|Gosaba]], [[Saptamukhi River|Saptamukhi]], and [[Haribhanga River|Haribhanga]]—and their tributaries. The formation of the delta is an ongoing process, and new [[wikt:Special:Search/bars|bars]] and islands are being created along the rivers and at the river mouth. A large percentage of the area is underwater during incoming tides.
+The area is known for its wide range of fauna. The most famous among these is the [[royal Bengal tiger]], but numerous species of [[bird]]s, spotted [[deer]], [[crocodile]]s, and [[snake]]s also inhabit it. It is estimated that there are now 400 Bengal tigers and about 30,000 spotted deer in the area [5].{{citation needed |date=August 2016}}
 ==Climate==
 {{Main|Climate of West Bengal}}
-[[Image:Wb-climate.gif|thumb|Average Annual Rainfall in West Bengal]]
+[[Image:Wb-climate.gif|thumb|Average annual rainfall in West Bengal]]
-[[Image:Kalinagar Floods B.JPG|thumb|Many areas remain flooded during the heavy rains brought by monsoon]]
+[[Image:Kalinagar Floods B.JPG|thumb|Many areas flood during the heavy rains brought by monsoon]]
-[[West Bengal|West Bengal's]] climate varies from tropical [[savannah]] in the southern portions to humid subtropical in the north. The main seasons are summer, rainy season, a short autumn, and winter. While the summer in the delta region is noted for excessive humidity, the western highlands experience a dry summer like northern India, with the highest day temperature ranging from {{convert|38|°C|°F|0|lk=on}} to {{convert|45|°C|°F|0}}.<ref name=webindia>{{cite web
+West Bengal's climate varies from [[tropical savannah]] in the southern portions to [[Humid subtropical climate|humid subtropical]] in the north. The main seasons are summer, rainy season, a short autumn, and winter. While the summer in the delta region is noted for excessive humidity, the western highlands experience a dry summer like northern India, with daily high temperatures ranging from {{convert|38|°C|°F|0}} to {{convert|45|°C|°F|0}}.<ref name=webindia>{{cite web
 | url = http://www.webindia123.com/westbengal/land/climate.htm
 | title = Climate
@@ Line 156: / Line 161: @@
 | work = West Bengal: Land
 | publisher = Suni System (P) Ltd
-}}</ref> At nights, a cool southerly breeze carries moisture from the Bay of Bengal. In early summer brief [[squall]]s and thunderstorms known as "kal-baisakhi" often arrive from the north or northwest.<ref name=kalboisakhi>{{cite web
+}}</ref> At nights, a cool southerly breeze carries moisture from the Bay of Bengal.
+In early summer, brief [[squall]]s and thunderstorms known as ''kal-baisakhi'' often arrive from the north or northwest.<ref name="kalboisakhi">{{cite web
   |url         = http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=kal-baisakhi1
   |title       = kal Baisakhi
@@ Line 165: / Line 172: @@
   |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20060830065710/http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=kal-baisakhi1
   |archive-date = 30 August 2006
- |df          = dmy-all
+}}</ref> Monsoons bring rain to the whole state from June to September. West Bengal receives the [[Climate of India#Monsoon|Bay of Bengal branch]] of the [[Monsoon#Indian Ocean Monsoon|Indian Ocean monsoon]] that moves in a northwest direction. Winter (December–January) is mild over the plains with average daily low temperatures of {{convert|15|°C|°F|0}}.<ref name="webindia" /> A cold and dry northern wind blows in the winter, substantially lowering the humidity level. However, the Darjeeling Himalayan Hill region experiences a harsh winter, with occasional snowfall at places.
-}}</ref> Monsoons bring rain to the whole state from June to September. West Bengal receives the [[Climate of India#Monsoon|Bay of Bengal branch]] of the [[Monsoon#Indian Ocean Monsoon|Indian Ocean monsoon]] that moves in a northwest direction. Winter (December–January) is mild over the plains with average minimum temperatures of {{convert|15|°C|°F|0}}.<ref name=webindia/> A cold and dry northern wind blows in the winter, substantially lowering the humidity level. However, the Darjeeling Himalayan Hill region experiences a harsh winter, with occasional snowfall at places.
 ==Natural resources==
-[[Image:Wb-minerals.png|thumb|Map showing areas where various minerals are found in West Bengal]]
+[[Image:Wb-minerals.png|thumb|Map of mineral deposits in West Bengal]]
-[[West Bengal]] stands third in the country in terms of mineral production. The state contributes about one-fifth to the total production of minerals in the country.<ref name="hsecogeo">{{Cite book
+West Bengal stands third in India in terms of mineral production by state, contributing about one-fifth of the total mineral production of the country.<ref name="hsecogeo">{{Cite book |last=Bhattacharya |first=Sudhansu Sekhar |author2=Gupta, Sushmita |title=Higher Secondary Economic Geography |publisher=Indian Progressive Publishing |year=1977 |location=Kolkata |pages=316–359}}</ref>
-  | last =Bhattacharya| first =Sudhansu Sekhar|author2=Gupta, Sushmita | title =Higher Secondary Economic Geography | publisher =Indian Progressive Publishing | year =1977 (1998)|location =Kolkata| pages =316–359}}</ref>
-[[Coal]] constitutes 99% of the minerals extracted in [[West Bengal]]; [[fireclay]], [[china clay]], [[limestone]], [[copper]], [[iron]], [[Tungsten|wolfram]], [[manganese]] and [[Dolomite (rock)|dolomite]] are mined in small quantities.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> There are good possibilities of obtaining mineral oil and natural gas in the areas near the [[Bay of Bengal]], in [[Purba Medinipur]], [[Sundarbans]], [[South 24 Parganas]] and [[North Bengal]] plains.<ref name="hsecogeo"/>  Research is ongoing in various places to locate natural gas.
-[[West Bengal]] is the third largest state for coal production, accounting for about half of India's total.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> Coal is extracted from about 228 mines in the [[Raniganj]] and [[Asansol]] region of [[Bardhaman district]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/>  High grade [[bituminous coal]] is mined at [[Raniganj]], [[Dishergarh]], [[Santaldih]], [[Kulti]], [[Barakar]], [[Ghushik]], [[Kajora]]. Coalfields stretch over an area of about {{convert|1550|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}. The coalfields of Raniganj support the Asansol-Durgapur industrial belt by providing fuel to the industries as well as generation of thermal power. [[Lignite]] mined in [[Darjeeling]] is used to make [[briquettes]]. Coal deposits are also found along the [[Ajoy river]] in [[Birbhum district]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
+[[Coal]] constitutes 99% of the minerals extracted in West Bengal. West Bengal is the third largest state for coal production, accounting for about half of India's total.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> Coal is extracted from about 228 mines in the [[Raniganj]] and [[Asansol]] region of [[Bardhaman district]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/> High grade [[bituminous coal]] is mined at [[Raniganj]], [[Dishergarh]], [[Santaldih]], [[Kulti]], [[Barakar]], [[Ghushik]], and [[Kajora]]. Coalfields stretch over an area of about {{convert|1550|km2|sqmi|0|abbr=on}}. The coalfields of Raniganj support the Asansol-Durgapur industrial belt by providing fuel to the industries as well as generation of thermal power. [[Lignite]] mined in [[Darjeeling]] is used to make [[briquettes]]. Coal deposits are also found along the [[Ajoy river]] in [[Birbhum district]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
-[[West Bengal]] ranks next to [[Bihar]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] in production of [[fireclay]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/> Most of this mineral is extracted in the Raniganj region along with a small quantity also extracted from [[Birbhum]] and [[Purulia district|Purulia]]. [[China clay]] used in the [[pottery]], [[paper]], [[textile]], [[rubber]] and [[paint]] industries is unearthed at [[Mohammad Bazar (community development block)|Mohammad Bazar]] in Birbhum and [[Mejia (community development block)|Mejia]] in [[Bankura district|Bankura]]. The rest of the production comes from Purulia, Bardhaman, Darjeeling and [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]]. In 1993–94 1.24 lakh metric tons of fireclay were produced in West Bengal.<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
+[[Fireclay]] and [[china clay]] are also mined. West Bengal ranks next to [[Bihar]] and [[Madhya Pradesh]] in production of fireclay.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> Most of this mineral is extracted in the Raniganj region, along with a small quantity extracted from [[Birbhum]] and [[Purulia district|Purulia]]. In 1993–94, 124,000 metric tons of fireclay were produced in West Bengal.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> China clay—used in the [[pottery]], [[paper]], [[textile]], [[rubber]], and [[paint]] industries—is unearthed at [[Mohammad Bazar (community development block)|Mohammad Bazar]] in Birbhum and [[Mejia (community development block)|Mejia]] in [[Bankura district|Bankura]]. The rest of the production comes from Purulia, Bardhaman, Darjeeling, and [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]].
-[[Limestone]] which is used in [[cement]] industry is mined in [[Bankura District|Bankura]], [[Purulia]], [[Darjeeling]] and [[Jalpaiguri]].<ref name="hsecogeo"/> There are [[copper]] mines in Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Small quantities of low quality [[iron-ore]] are mined in Bardhaman, Purulia, Birbhum and Darjeeling.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> There is [[manganese]] in the [[Jhargram]] region of [[Paschim Medinipur]], Purulia and Bardhaman. Wolfram is mined at [[Jhilimili]] in Bankura.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> The state's production of dolomite comes from the [[Dooars]] region of [[Jalpaiguri]]. 38.5 thousand tonnes of dolomite were raised in 1993–94.<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
+[[Limestone]], [[copper]], [[iron ore]], [[wolframite]], [[manganese]], and [[Dolomite (mineral)|dolomite]] are also mined in small quantities.<ref name="hsecogeo" /> Limestone—used in the [[cement]] industry—is mined in Bankura, Purulia, Darjeeling, and Jalpaiguri.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> There are copper mines in Jalpaiguri and Darjeeling. Small quantities of low-quality iron ore are mined in Bardhaman, Purulia, Birbhum, and Darjeeling.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> There is manganese in the [[Jhargram]] region of [[Paschim Medinipur]], Purulia, and Bardhaman. Wolframite is mined at [[Jhilimili]] in Bankura.<ref name="hsecogeo"/> The state's production of dolomite comes from the [[Dooars]] region of Jalpaiguri. 38.5 thousand tonnes of dolomite were raised in 1993–94.<ref name="hsecogeo"/>
+There are possible deposits of mineral oil and natural gas in the areas near the [[Bay of Bengal]], in [[Purba Medinipur]], [[Sundarbans]], [[South 24 Parganas]], and [[North Bengal]] plains.<ref name="hsecogeo" /> Research is ongoing in various places to locate natural gas.
 ==References==
 {{reflist}}
-== External links ==
+{{Geography of India by state or territory}}
+{{Geography of India}}
-*A map of the districts can be seen [http://www.wbgov.com/e-gov/English/DepartmentFrame.asp?showPage=MapOfState/DefaultScript.asp at the official State of West Bengal website].
 [[Category:Geography of West Bengal| ]]
 [[Category:Environment of West Bengal]]