INDIA-BANGLADESH RIVER WATER SHARING ISSUES

Context

India and Bangladesh discussed a wide range of issues related to the major common rivers such as the Ganga, Teesta and several smaller rivers during the 38th meeting of the Joint River Commission (JRC) held recently.

key-highlights

• The Indian delegation led by Minister for Jal Shakti, assured the Bangladesh delegation that India was making “utmost efforts” for agreement on the Teesta.
• The JRC meeting discussed the whole gamut of the issues related to the common rivers between the two countries, especially the Ganga, Teesta, Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla, Dudkhkumar and Kushiyara.
• The two sides also discussed exchange of flood-related data and information, river-bank protection works, common basin management, and also the River Interlinking Project of India.
• Bangladesh side requested for conclusion of the long-pending Teesta Water Sharing Treaty at an early date. 
• The Indian side assured of their utmost efforts in concluding the agreement.

Rivers between India and Bangladesh

• Overall, India and Bangladesh have 54 transboundary rivers between them, all of which are part of the drainage system of the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) basin.
• The Padma (the Ganga), the Jamuna (the Brahmaputra) and the Meghna (the Barak) and their tributaries are integral in maintaining food and water security in Bangladesh.

Genesis of the disputes

• The issues between India and Bangladesh regarding water resource allotment can be traced to the time Bangladesh was still East Pakistan.
• In 1961, India began construction of the Farakka Barrage—which was to be operational by April 1975—to divert a portion of the dry-season flow and increase the navigability of Kolkata port.
• When India began its preliminary planning for the project in 1950-51, Pakistan immediately expressed concerns over the potential effect of the project on East Pakistan.

Moves for disputes resolution: Joint River Commission

• Soon after the independence of Bangladesh in 1971, the Joint River Commission was formed between India and Bangladesh in 1972.
• In a joint declaration issued on 16 May 1974, the PM of Bangladesh and India acknowledged the need for the flow augmentation of the Ganga in the lean season to meet the requirements of both countries.