by Ali Khan
Examining India’s Impact on Bangladesh In South Asia, water politics have long been a source of tension, particularly between India and Bangladesh. These two countries share 54 rivers. In 1975, India constructed the Farakka Barrage. The barrage aimed to divert water from the Ganges to the Hooghly River to improve navigability for the port of Kolkata. However, this diversion significantly reduced the water flow into Bangladesh, leading to severe ecological and economic consequences downstream. In 1996, after years of negotiations, India and Bangladesh signed the Ganges Water Treaty. Despite the treaty, Bangladesh continues to face water shortages, particularly during the dry season. According to the Bangladesh Water Development Board, the country receives only about 29,000 cubic feet per second (cusecs) of water from the Ganges during the lean season, far below the agreed minimum flow of 34,500 cusecs. This shortfall severely impacts agriculture, fisheries, and the livelihoods of millions of Bangladeshis. Moreover, India’s construction of additional dams and barrages on shared rivers exacerbates the problem. For instance, the proposed Tipaimukh Dam on the Barak River has raised significant concerns in Bangladesh. The dam, intended for hydropower generation, could drastically reduce water flow into the Meghna River Basin, further aggravating water scarcity in the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. Water scarcity has profound socio-economic implications for Bangladesh. Agriculture, which employs nearly half of the country’s workforce, is heavily dependent on a consistent water supply. Reduced water availability during the dry season hampers crop production, leading to food insecurity and economic instability. According to a report by the International Food Policy Research Institute, water scarcity could reduce Bangladesh’s rice production by up to 15% by 2050. Beyond the environmental and economic impacts, the water dispute has a profound humanitarian dimension. Water scarcity affects public health, with reduced access to clean water contributing to waterborne diseases. According to UNICEF, around 41% of Bangladesh’s population lacks access to safely managed drinking water services. The water crisis exacerbates this issue, particularly in rural areas. While India has legitimate developmental needs, it is imperative to balance these with the rights and needs of downstream Bangladesh. India’s policies, particularly the construction of dams and barrages, have exacerbated water scarcity in Bangladesh, leading to severe consequences for millions of people.