<h2> The Mighty River Padma in Bangladesh</h2>

Strong Current in Padma

                                               

The Padma is one of the most important rivers of Bangladesh. It is the main stern arm of the Ganges in the Delta Stage. Rising in Garhwai range in an ice-cave 8 miles above Gangotri, the Ganges flows a length of more than 1370 miles up to Goalundo in Bangladesh where it has its confluence with another mighty river the Brahmaputra (the Jumani). From Goalundo downstream the combined Jumani and the Ganges from the Padma

Fisherman catches Hilsa Fish In Padma

         The name Pad ma is popularity applied to the Ganges as far up as the point at which the Bhagirathi leaves the left bank and, according to the Hindus, takes the sancity of the Ganges with itself. But hydro graphically it is more correct to call the river Ganges down to its confluences with the Jumana. On the other hand, the Pad ma is sometimes referred to as the Ganges. This is also incorrect, because, in the first place, this channel was opened out due to the diverted flow of the Brahmaputra and, secondly because, for most of the year, the Brahmaputra (the Jumani) contributes more to the flow of the Padma than the Ganges. Hence the river between Aricha and Sureswar is best called the Padma, for it has every right to be regarded as a separate river. However, it should not be forgotten that the vast stretch of river from the point of diversion of the Bhagirathi down to the point where it joins the Meghna-is popularly known as the Padma.                              

          The Pad ma is undeniably a mighty river. It is mighty not only in physical aspects but also in sociology-economic and cultural aspects of Bangladesh. The Padma is mighty in size, volume and elemental forces of nature. It is about 225 miles long and from 21.5 miles to 3.5 miles wide. It is followed by an upper course which roughly extends from the Himalayas to Bhagalpur and is approximately 1200 miles long. In this upper course the Ganges has a good number of water heads in the Himalayas. It has a drainage area of 377,000 sq. miles up to Goalunda. Its average discharge in winter is 80,000 cuses and in the rainy season 640,800 cusses. The average annual discharge at Hardinge Bridge (1934-64) is 410,000 cusses. Its total flow per year is estimated to be 294 million acre-feet. In the middle Ganges valley, nine large tributaries join it. From Patna downstream it is as large as when it first forms the border of Bangladesh at Shibganj. In its vastness, majesty of power and profusion of vitality, the Pad ma assumes terrible aspects in the rainy season with its eddies and overflowing currents. The Pad ma is mighty because in course of several centuries it has changed its course for a number of times and has washed away many towns and village with their beautiful buildings and other things. It has swept away the royal palace of Raja Rajballav and earned the name of ‘Kirtinashs’ i.e. the destroy of glory.