India's Hydro-Development Projects and Bangladesh's Water Crisis
The diversion and damming of the 54 rivers originating in India have had profound geopolitical implications for Bangladesh, severely disrupting its water resources and ecological balance. These upstream hydro-development projects, combined with climate-induced changes, have strained Bangladesh's riverine ecosystems, creating ongoing disputes over water sharing with India since Bangladesh gained independence. The Farakka Barrage issue between India and Bangladesh stems from Bangladesh's claim that India's excessive water withdrawal from the Ganges is drying up its rivers. In May 1974, both countries issued a joint declaration to address the water-sharing dispute before the barrage became operational.
The Farakka Barrage, originally proposed by British engineer Sir Arthur Cotton in 1853, was designed to improve the navigability of the Hooghly River and enhance the functionality of Calcutta's port. Constructed after India's independence, it also aimed to support regional irrigation efforts but has since become a contentious issue in India-Bangladesh relations. However, this plan was set aside for over a century until the Indian government revived it in 1957, consulting British expert W. Hensen, who endorsed Cotton's vision.
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| Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Bengal Basin |
Bangladesh's Strategic Outlook in the Indo-Pacific:
India's central government plans to build 16 dams along the 1,600-kilometer stretch of the Ganges-Hooghly River from Allahabad to Haldia, with each dam spaced 100 kilometers apart, to improve inland water transport. This construction will significantly alter the river's flow, negatively impacting both Bangladesh and the Indian states of Bihar and West Bengal. Water expert S.I. Khan noted that due to previous dam constructions, including the Farakka Barrage, Bangladesh now receives only one-tenth of the water it once did. With over 400 dams already on the Ganges, the addition of these new dams could further degrade the river's natural flow.
It is notable that one of the key aspects of the USA's Indo-Pacific strategy is addressing climate change. While at first glance, it may seem just like an environmental issue, it's closely tied to America's broader global political strategy. Since the colonial period, climate change—or more specifically, challenges surrounding water resource management within drainage basins—has become increasingly complex. As river management systems lost their natural integrity and became politicized, the resulting basin-based political conflicts, particularly over water resources, have led to growing tensions among neighboring states. The absence of effective international river management frameworks has left many of these issues unresolved.
In recent years, the Bengal Basin's climate change impacts have severely affected Bangladesh, with the jute crop industry facing catastrophic consequences as a prime example. Additionally, the decreasing fair flow of water in the country is disrupting food grain production, leading to the extinction of biodiversity, hampering fish production, destroying flora, and causing rivers to dry up and turn from fertile land into desert. The extreme heat has disrupted people's lives.
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| Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Indo-Pacific biogeographic region map |
Geopolitical Implications of the Ganges-Bengal Basin Connection:
The Ganges River basin faces significant geopolitical water management issues stemming from its highly seasonal flow. Most rainfall occurs during the monsoon season from June to September, resulting in heavy flooding, while the rest of the year sees water shortage. This seasonal imbalance leads to conflicts between upstream users, primarily in India, and downstream users in Bangladesh, where the demand for irrigation and other uses often does not align with water availability.
Although international law prohibits obstructing or diverting water flow to disadvantage other co-riparian states, activities such as river water diversion for irrigation in northern Indian states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar intensify these encounters. Diversions at structures like the Farakka Dam, which is crucial for maintaining navigation for Kolkata Port, disrupt the natural flow of the Ganges. This disruption is particularly critical during the dry season, as maintaining sufficient downstream flow is essential for preserving the delicate salinity balance in coastal areas of Bangladesh that support vital ecosystems, including the Sundarbans, the world’s largest mangrove forest.
To mitigate these geopolitical tensions, implementing effective strategies for conjunctive use of groundwater and surface water is crucial. However, existing management practices in Uttar Pradesh are often inadequate, leading to issues like waterlogging and declining groundwater levels, highlighting the need for improved water resource management that considers the interlinked fates of both the Ganges and Bengal basins.
Environmental Consequences and Regional Impacts:
The construction of the Farakka Barrage by India has severely disrupted Bangladesh's water flow, causing significant ecological and economic damage. During the dry season, Bangladesh is deprived of sufficient water, leading to silt accumulation in riverbeds and water shortages, while in the monsoon season, excessive water causes frequent flooding.
The diversion of water from the Ganges, which is known as the Padma River after entering Bangladesh, has led to its drying up, increasing land degradation and changing river flow patterns. These environmental changes have directly impacted agriculture, fisheries, and public health, leading to heightened vulnerability among local communities. As the ecological balance shifts, Bangladesh faces the challenge of sustaining its agricultural and fishing industries while dealing with the fallout from India’s water management policies.
The reduced water flow during the dry season has caused crop losses worth around 1 billion BDT, affecting 5 million acres of land influenced by the Ganges. Between 1976 and 1992, the agricultural sector experienced direct annual losses exceeding 5 billion BDT, with indirect losses from water deprivation amounting to 23 billion BDT annually, underscoring the severe economic impact of the Farakka Barrage on Bangladesh.
The Ganga Water Treaty: A Source of Dispute Between Mamata and the Centre
The 1996 treaty between India and Bangladesh was a key step in water-sharing cooperation, specifying allocations from the Farakka Barrage. Although it eased tensions and supported infrastructure in Bangladesh, critics argue it favors India and inadequately addresses Bangladesh's dry-season water needs. This dissatisfaction underscores the complexities of international negotiations over shared resources and the need for ongoing dialogue to ensure regional stability.
The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty, set to expire in 2026, was a pivotal agreement between India and Bangladesh to resolve tensions over water distribution, particularly concerning the Farakka Barrage. The treaty has broader geopolitical implications for both nations, as it affects Bangladesh's water security and India's internal management of the Ganges River system. The ongoing negotiations for its renewal and potential technical projects underscore the importance of water diplomacy in maintaining bilateral relations.
Banerjee's objection also points to the broader geopolitical consequences of reducing water flow to West Bengal, which could destabilize the region’s economy and strain India-Bangladesh relations. The Centre's efforts to involve West Bengal in treaty discussions while managing diplomatic ties with Bangladesh demonstrate the complex interplay between regional and national interests in trans-boundary water management.
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| Image Credit: Picryl.com, Maulana Bhasani in Havanna, Cuba |
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Beyond 2026: The Future of Ganges Water Sharing Agreements
The historical roots of the Ganges water dispute can be traced back to the construction of the Farakka Barrage in 1975, which continues to create significant environmental and economic challenges for Bangladesh, as the country claims that reduced downstream flow has harmed millions of livelihoods. Initially, efforts to address the water-sharing issue began with the Indo-Bangladeshi Treaty of Friendship in 1972, which established a Joint River Commission to oversee shared water resources. However, political instability in Bangladesh, particularly after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, led to a waning of cooperation. The historical context of the dispute highlights the complexity of bilateral relations and the challenges of reconciling national interests with shared environmental concerns.
In 1976, Maulana Bhasani led a mass protest against India’s control of the barrage, underscoring Bangladesh’s sense of deprivation. Temporary agreements like the 1977 five-year pact and the 1996 Ganges Treaty have failed to resolve the issue fully, with Bangladesh frequently raising concerns over irregular data sharing and monitoring.
Geopolitically, the dispute is complicated by the exclusion of Nepal, an upstream country, from negotiations and the treaty's focus on economic use rather than environmental sustainability. The 1996 treaty, expiring in 2026, leaves Bangladesh with limited water after India's upstream projects. With the expiration looming, Bangladesh may consider advocating for a revised, multilateral agreement involving Nepal, India, and Bangladesh. The new framework should integrate modern water management principles and comply with international standards, including the 1992 UNECE Water Convention, ensuring fair and sustainable Ganges water management post-2026.
Geostrategic Importance of the Bay of Bengal:
As the focus of global geopolitical and strategic action shifts more towards the Indo-Pacific, the Bay of Bengal is increasingly becoming a focal point, particularly for Bangladesh's strategic positioning. The Bengal Basin, encompassing critical river systems like the Ganges and Brahmaputra, plays a central role in this dynamic. Bangladesh, while aligning with Indo-Pacific frameworks, faces challenges tied to water security, such as the Farakka Barrage. India's control over the Ganges flow at Farakka directly affects Bangladesh's agricultural and economic stability, further complicating its geopolitical outlook in the region.
As Bangladesh navigates its Indo-Pacific aspirations, its reliance on shared resources within the Bengal Basin introduces a complex layer of geopolitical tension. The Bay of Bengal, with its vital shipping routes and strategic importance, is heavily influenced by these water-sharing concerns, positioning Bangladesh between its domestic needs and the broader regional power play involving India, China, and the US.
From a geopolitical perspective, Bangladesh is pushing for collaborative efforts, especially in climate change adaptation and water security, while envisioning a free, open, peaceful, secure, and inclusive Indo-Pacific. Positioned strategically in South Asia, Bangladesh emphasizes shared prosperity for all, aligning its Indo-Pacific outlook with broader global security and economic interests.
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| Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Sayeeda Rejwana Hasan |
Conclusion:
Historically, due to regional and geopolitical reasons, undivided Bengal was divided into two independent states, resulting in the Bengal Basin becoming a complex geopolitical issue, particularly posing significant challenges for Bangladesh. In response to this situation, Bangladesh is prioritizing the U.S.-led Indo-Pacific strategy, especially focusing on climate change, viewing basin-centric international water-sharing issues and climate challenges as an opportunity for positive international coordination. On the other hand, the Indo-Pacific region is crucial for America's security and prosperity as the fastest-growing area in the world, hosts over half of the global population, accounts for 60% of the world’s economy, and drives two-thirds of global economic growth.
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The ongoing struggles for equitable water distribution and environmental justice highlight the importance of addressing historical protests and backing International collaboration to ensure a sustainable future for both India and Bangladesh. As the situation evolves, the Farakka Barrage serves as a reminder of the complexities of managing shared resources in a politically charged environment.
In a press briefing at her office in the Secretariat on August 21, 2024, Syeda Rizwana Hasan, adviser to the interim government on environment and water resources, announced that Dhaka plans to discuss shared rivers with New Delhi and may seek international support if needed while aiming to maintain friendly ties with India. The historical context underscores that since its independence, Bangladesh has been grappling with a serious natural water crisis, which could lead to increased instability in the region from a geopolitical perspective.
