DHAKA and Delhi are now reportedly stepping towards a new deal on six small rivers and optimum use of the Ganges waters. It’s probably, when both sides have not yet agreed to sign agreements on water sharing of the Teesta and Feni rivers. In this regard, out of 54 transboundary rivers, six small rivers — Manu, Muhuri, Khowai, Gumti, Dharla and Dudhkumar –would eventually come under the framework agreement.
According to media report, this issue is scheduled to be discussed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ongoing visit to New Delhi. The agreement, however, will not be signed this time. In 2011, Bangladesh and India failed to sign the Teesta water-sharing agreement due to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s last-minute opposition during the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka. Even today, the issue remains unresolved.
In such a situation, farmers in Bangladesh’s northern region depend heavily on underground water for irrigation. Though the two countries have 54 rivers in common, treaty on water sharing was signed only on one river — the Ganges — in 1996. Dhaka is frustrated over the Teesta issue, especially when it has allowed transit facilities for transportation of Indian goods from one part of India to another through Bangladesh.
Dhaka also addressed Delhi’s most important concern by not sheltering any Indian insurgents — something that facilitate stability in India’s Northeastern region. Against this backdrop, serial meetings discussed forming two technical committees — one on conducting feasibility study on the optimum use of water received under the Ganges treaty and the other on data collection of the six rivers.
Bangladesh and India are supposed to go for such basin-wide management, but the two countries are nowhere near it. There has also been serious lack of progress on water sharing. Bangladesh, being a lower riparian country, should have the urge to address the water issues. The regional powers should work together to manage water resource for stable and prosperous economy, where India’s role pivotal.
According to media report, this issue is scheduled to be discussed during Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s ongoing visit to New Delhi. The agreement, however, will not be signed this time. In 2011, Bangladesh and India failed to sign the Teesta water-sharing agreement due to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s last-minute opposition during the then Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka. Even today, the issue remains unresolved.
In such a situation, farmers in Bangladesh’s northern region depend heavily on underground water for irrigation. Though the two countries have 54 rivers in common, treaty on water sharing was signed only on one river — the Ganges — in 1996. Dhaka is frustrated over the Teesta issue, especially when it has allowed transit facilities for transportation of Indian goods from one part of India to another through Bangladesh.
Dhaka also addressed Delhi’s most important concern by not sheltering any Indian insurgents — something that facilitate stability in India’s Northeastern region. Against this backdrop, serial meetings discussed forming two technical committees — one on conducting feasibility study on the optimum use of water received under the Ganges treaty and the other on data collection of the six rivers.
Bangladesh and India are supposed to go for such basin-wide management, but the two countries are nowhere near it. There has also been serious lack of progress on water sharing. Bangladesh, being a lower riparian country, should have the urge to address the water issues. The regional powers should work together to manage water resource for stable and prosperous economy, where India’s role pivotal.
