21 April - Farakka Barrage dedicated to nation

 

The Farakka Barrage, a crucial hydraulic engineering structure in India, was dedicated to the nation on April 21, 1975. Located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, the Farakka Barrage was constructed across the Ganges River as part of the Farakka Project.

The primary purpose of the Farakka Barrage is to divert water from the Ganges River into the Hooghly River, which flows through the city of Kolkata (Calcutta), to maintain navigability during the dry season and prevent salinity ingress into the Hooghly River. The barrage also serves to regulate water flow in the Ganges and mitigate floods in the surrounding areas.

The dedication of the Farakka Barrage marked a significant milestone in India's efforts to manage water resources and facilitate navigation and irrigation in the region. However, it has also been a subject of controversy and debate due to its environmental and socio-economic impacts on downstream areas, including Bangladesh.

Despite the challenges and criticisms, the Farakka Barrage remains an important infrastructure project in India, playing a key role in water management and river navigation in the Ganges basin.

 

21 April - World Curlew Day

 

World Curlew Day is an annual event dedicated to raising awareness about the conservation of curlews, a group of wading birds belonging to the family Scolopacidae. These birds are known for their long, curved bills and distinctive calls, and they inhabit a variety of habitats worldwide, including grasslands, wetlands, and coastal areas.

The first World Curlew Day was held on April 21, 2018, initiated by conservation organizations and bird enthusiasts to highlight the plight of curlews and promote efforts to protect their populations. Curlews face numerous threats, including habitat loss, degradation, and fragmentation, as well as predation and climate change, which have contributed to population declines in many regions.

World Curlew Day typically involves various activities such as birdwatching events, educational programs, fundraising initiatives, and habitat restoration projects aimed at conserving curlew populations and their habitats. The day serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving biodiversity and ecosystems to ensure the survival of these iconic birds and other wildlife species.