Rumours about the connection of the Farakka barrage with floods in Bangladesh
Bangladesh was hit by a devastating flood across the nation which is caused by the rising rivers driven by the significant rainfall and active monsoons leading to worsening the flood situation in 11 major districts. The prominent rivers in the southeast, like Mahuri, Gomti, and Halda, are overflowing above the danger levels, contributing towards the flood situation.
Around 5 million people in Bangladesh are found to be impacted by floods, among which there are approximately 2 million children as mentioned by UNICEF. In this regard, there is speculation from Bangladesh reports that the opening of the gates of the Farakka barrage in West Bengal has partially led to the emergence of this flood situation in Bangladesh, which insists the Government of India check the facts.
Our response to media queries regarding Farakka barrage:https://t.co/AbHoQiYwUN pic.twitter.com/601TnH5wJC
— Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) August 26, 2024This should be firmly countered with facts. He responds towards the media reports indicating the flow of more than 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream into the Ganga/Padma River due to the opening of Farakka barrage gates, as a normal seasonal development. This action is being taken in response to the increased inflow in the upstream basin catchment areas of the Ganga River due to heavy rainfall. Jaiswal also added, “Data, as per protocol, is shared with the concerned Joint River Commission officials in Bangladesh on a regular and timely basis. It has been done this time as well.”
Towards providing an in-depth explanation in this matter, Jaiswal said that it needs to be understood that Farakka is only a barrage rather than a dam. Therefore, the water passes every time whenever the level of the water touches the pond level irrespective of any inflow. This is also recognised as a structure which is meant for diverting 40000 cusecs of water into the Farakka canal by means of the careful usage of a system of gates on the main Ganga/Padma river while the remaining water is found to be flown into the main river to Bangladesh.
About Farakka Barrage
Farakka Barrage is located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal, India, and was constructed across the Ganga River. The location of the barrage is approximately 18 KM away from the Bangladesh border near Sahibganj. Around 1 billion dollars was invested for the construction of this barrage, which was started in 1962 and accomplished in 1970 while becoming operational effective from 21st April 1975.
The particular barrage was developed with the aim of ensuring the smooth operation of the Kolkata Port by addressing the problem of excessive silt on the Hooghly River along with the reduction of salinity from the water. Apart from this, the barrage is accountable for the sharing of water between India and Bangladesh. In relation to the water settlement between Bangladesh and India pertaining to the Farakka Barrage, there were two agreements signed among these countries, which are The Farakka Barrage Agreement, 1977 and The Ganga Water Treaty, 1996. However, it still remains a topic of debate whether the Farakka barrage is a curse or boon for both Bangladesh as well as India.
FAQ
Where is Farakka Barrage situated?
Farakka Barrage is located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal of India, and was constructed across the Ganga River. The location of the barrage is approximately 18 KM away from the Bangladesh border near Sahibganj.
What are the main objectives of the Farakka Barrage?
The Farakka barrage was developed with the aim of ensuring the smooth operation of the Kolkata Port by addressing the problem of excessive silt on the Hooghly River along with the reduction of salinity from the water. Apart from this, the barrage is accountable for the sharing of water between India and Bangladesh.
How many people were impacted by the recent flood in Bangladesh?
Around 5 million people in Bangladesh are found to be impacted by floods, among which there are approximately 2 million children as mentioned by UNICEF.
What is the viewpoint of the Indian government regarding the reports explaining the relationship between the flood in Bangladesh and the Farakka Barrage gate opening?
The Ministry of External Affairs, on 26th August, declared all the speculations and reports as fake which were linking Bangladesh floods with the opening of gates of Farakka barrage in India.
Whether the gate of the Farakka Barrage was opened without any prior information?
Data, as per protocol, is shared with the concerned Joint River Commission officials in Bangladesh on a regular and timely basis. It has been done this time as well during the recent flood in Bangladesh.
