India has firmly dismissed recent claims circulating in Bangladesh that the opening of the Farakka barrage in West Bengal has caused floods in certain areas of the neighboring country. The Indian government has labeled these reports as “fake news” and “fear-mongering,” aimed at creating unnecessary panic and misunderstanding between the two nations.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized the need to counter such misinformation with factual data and transparent communication.
India Dismisses Flooding Allegations
On Monday, India categorically denied reports that the release of water from the Farakka barrage is responsible for floods in parts of Bangladesh. The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, addressed the media, refuting these allegations and calling out the dissemination of false information.
“We have seen fake videos, rumors, and fear-mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts,” Jaiswal stated. He clarified that the opening of the barrage gates is a routine measure in response to the increased inflow of water from heavy rainfall in the Ganga river basin’s upstream catchment areas.
Jaiswal further elaborated that the Farakka barrage, located in West Bengal, is a crucial infrastructure for managing the water flow between India and Bangladesh. He explained that the barrage is not a dam, and its gates are operated to ensure the controlled diversion of water into the Farakka canal while allowing the remaining water to continue its natural course downstream into the Ganga/Padma river, which flows into Bangladesh.
Seasonal Water Flow Management
The MEA spokesperson provided a detailed explanation of the operational procedures at the Farakka barrage. He noted that the release of over 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream is part of a “normal seasonal development.” This process occurs naturally due to the increased inflow of water from the Ganga river basin, particularly during the monsoon season when heavy rains are common in the region.
“It is to be understood that Farakka is only a barrage and not a dam. Whenever the water level reaches the pond level, whatever inflow comes, that passes,” Jaiswal clarified, emphasizing that the barrage’s primary function is to manage water levels and not to store or hold back water like a dam.
The barrage’s design allows for the careful diversion of 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka canal, which is done using a system of gates on the main Ganga/Padma river. The remaining water, as per natural flow dynamics, continues downstream into Bangladesh. This process is a routine part of water management in the region and is crucial for maintaining the balance of water distribution between the two countries.
Addressing Shared Challenges
This is not the first instance where India has had to address such concerns from Bangladesh. Last week, the MEA had to clarify similar reports that falsely claimed the flood situation in certain parts of Bangladesh was caused by the opening of a dam on the Gumti river in Tripura.
The MEA reiterated that floods on common rivers between India and Bangladesh are a “shared” problem, affecting people on both sides of the border. The ministry highlighted the importance of mutual cooperation in managing these natural occurrences, which are often exacerbated by the region’s monsoon patterns.
“Floods are a natural challenge that both our countries face, especially during the monsoon season. These require close cooperation and understanding between India and Bangladesh to mitigate the suffering of people on both sides,” Jaiswal noted.
India and Bangladesh share numerous rivers, including the Ganga/Padma, which play a vital role in the livelihoods of millions of people in both countries. The management of these rivers, especially during the monsoon season, requires careful coordination to ensure that water distribution is balanced and does not lead to undue hardship on either side of the border.
The Indian government’s swift and clear response to the allegations concerning the Farakka barrage underscores the importance of accurate information and open communication in managing transboundary water resources.
By dismissing the false claims and providing a transparent explanation of the barrage’s operation, India aims to reinforce its commitment to cooperation with Bangladesh in addressing shared challenges like flooding. The MEA’s emphasis on mutual understanding and coordination between the two countries reflects the broader need for collaborative efforts in managing natural resources that affect millions of lives on both sides of the border.
