Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Hydropolitics, the politics of trans-boundary water resources, significantly influences international relations, particularly in South Asia. The Indo-Bangladesh relationship is deeply intertwined with the shared waters of 54 transboundary rivers, including the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna. While cooperation exists in some areas, disputes over water sharing, particularly concerning the Teesta River, have remained a persistent source of friction. Recent climate change impacts, increasing water scarcity, and growing demands for irrigation and domestic use have further exacerbated these challenges, making hydropolitics a crucial dimension of the bilateral relationship.
Geographical and Historical Context
The Indo-Bangladesh region is characterized by a complex hydrological system. The major rivers originate in the Himalayas and flow through India before entering Bangladesh. Historically, water sharing was largely unregulated, leading to unilateral actions by India, particularly with the Farakka Barrage on the Ganges in 1975, which diverted water for the Hooghly River, impacting the flow in Bangladesh. This triggered initial tensions and formed the basis for future negotiations.
Key Areas of Contention
The Ganges Water Treaty (1996)
The 1996 Ganges Water Treaty was a significant step forward, guaranteeing Bangladesh a minimum flow of 25,000 cusecs of water during the dry season (January-May). However, it has faced criticism for being insufficient to address the ecological needs of the Sundarbans delta and for not covering the entire river basin. The treaty also doesn’t address flood management effectively.
The Teesta River Dispute
The Teesta River is the most contentious issue. Negotiations for a water-sharing treaty have been ongoing for decades, but no agreement has been reached due to opposition from West Bengal, which relies heavily on Teesta waters. Bangladesh accuses India of unilaterally diverting water, leading to water scarcity during the dry season and impacting agriculture and livelihoods. This issue has repeatedly stalled broader bilateral progress.
Other Rivers and Issues
- Brahmaputra: While no formal treaty exists, concerns exist regarding China’s dam construction on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra’s Tibetan name) and its potential impact on downstream flows.
- Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs): Pollution of shared rivers due to industrial and municipal waste from India is a growing concern for Bangladesh.
- Flood Management: Cooperation on flood forecasting and warning systems is crucial, but challenges remain in coordinating infrastructure development.
Instances of Cooperation
Despite the disputes, India and Bangladesh have demonstrated cooperation in several areas:
- Joint River Commission (JRC): Established in 1972, the JRC provides a platform for dialogue and negotiation on water-related issues.
- Flood Forecasting: India shares real-time flood data with Bangladesh, helping to mitigate the impact of floods.
- Data Sharing: Sharing of hydrological data on rivers is a regular practice, though Bangladesh often requests more comprehensive data.
- River Cruise Protocol: The Protocol on Inland Water Transit and Trade (PIWT) facilitates navigation on shared rivers, promoting trade and connectivity.
Impact on Indo-Bangladesh Relations
Hydropolitics has a significant impact on the overall Indo-Bangladesh relationship. While the relationship is generally strong, encompassing trade, security cooperation, and cultural ties, the unresolved water disputes remain a persistent irritant. The Teesta issue, in particular, is often raised during high-level meetings and can overshadow other areas of cooperation. Failure to address these issues can fuel anti-India sentiment in Bangladesh and hinder the further strengthening of bilateral ties. The increasing impacts of climate change are likely to exacerbate these tensions in the future.
| River | Status of Agreement | Key Issues |
|---|---|---|
| Ganges | 1996 Treaty (Minimum flow guarantee) | Insufficient flow, ecological concerns, limited scope |
| Teesta | No Agreement | Unilateral diversion by India, water scarcity in Bangladesh |
| Brahmaputra | No Agreement | Chinese dam construction, potential impact on downstream flows |
Conclusion
Hydropolitics remains a critical factor shaping Indo-Bangladesh relations. While the Ganges Treaty represents a positive step, the unresolved Teesta dispute and emerging challenges related to climate change and pollution necessitate a more comprehensive and cooperative approach. A renewed focus on data sharing, joint basin management, and addressing the concerns of all stakeholders is crucial for fostering sustainable water governance and strengthening the long-term bilateral relationship. Moving beyond ad-hoc solutions towards a more holistic framework is essential for ensuring water security and regional stability.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.