So, here's the scoop on India. We all know India is pretty big in South Asia, but when it comes to making friends, they're kind of striking out. Their government's self-centred actions are not doing them any favours. In our new video, we're going to dive into a specific example of how India is acting like a "water pirate." It's like, are they even aware of what they're doing? How do you feel about people who pull sneaky moves like building dams, digging canals, and making false promises just to boost their power supply, even if it puts others at risk? India's government has got some explaining to do!
In the latest unfortunate incident, the opening of the Tripura Dumbur Dam led to flash floods inundating the southeastern part of Bangladesh. This follows concerns raised by Bangladesh over the Ganga Farakka and Teesta Ghazaldova Dams, which have exacerbated recent flooding. What message did India convey by opening the dam late at night with such disregard for others?
With India sharing 54 rivers with Bangladesh, the flow of water through dams has been blocked in nearly 30 of them, creating a challenging situation for Bangladesh. India is a country of barriers, consuming rivers and constructing around 5,000 small and large dams in the river basins of 22 out of its 29 states. The plans to further control the rivers in the future are even more alarming, posing severe challenges to Bangladesh.
It's imperative to address the impact of these actions and work together to find sustainable solutions for both nations.
Let's dive into the fascinating world of river dynamics and India-Bangladesh relationships! Did you know that back in 1971, Bangladesh had around 1,500 rivers, and now that number has sadly halved to 756? Shockingly, half of these rivers are now considered "dead," and the loss of 14 rivers in just two years is a cause for concern.
What's causing this decline, you ask? It turns out that India might have a significant role in altering the natural flow of these rivers. The implications of these actions go all the way to the international level, with questions arising about India's adherence to international water-sharing agreements. Why has India not fully supported the UN Watercourses Convention? Should they not consider the impact on Bangladesh when using the rivers common to both countries?
Comparing this situation to the Danube River, which flows through 12 countries in full compliance with international regulations, raises thought-provoking points. The creative and enthusiastic exploration of these river-related issues sparks a desire to see fair and sustainable water management practices put into place for the mutual benefit of both India and Bangladesh.
India's ambitious dam projects have transformed its rivers, with numerous dams altering the landscape across various river systems. The Farakka Dam and 30 others in the Ganges basin stand as a testament to India's commitment to power generation through hydroelectric means. Yet, concerns arise when considering the downstream impact on neighbouring Bangladesh. India's ambitious plans, including the potential interlinking of 37 rivers via connecting canals, could have far-reaching consequences for the region's ecology and the water supply. Environmental organizations in India have raised objections, reflecting the complexity of balancing development and conservation.
The proposed interlinking of rivers, spanning from the Himalayas to the peninsular region, could dramatically shift water distribution, potentially leaving Bangladesh parched. With 16 canals directed towards the Deccan and 14 canals feeding into various tributaries, including the Yamuna, Teesta, and Meghna, the repercussions for riverine Bangladesh could be dire. It's a challenging scenario that demands a delicate balance between meeting India's domestic water needs and safeguarding the interests of downstream countries like Bangladesh.
This creative endeavour to interlink rivers and dewater vast basins underscores India's innovative approach to addressing its water requirements. However, it also brings into focus the need for thoughtful consideration of the potential ramifications for neighbouring nations. As the dialogue continues, it's imperative to foster constructive engagement and collaboration to address the diverse challenges and opportunities presented by such ambitious projects.
Are you ready to hear about these amazing canal projects in India? Picture this: canals, 6 meters deep and 500-100 meters wide, carrying water from the Brahmaputra, Ganges, and Barak basins to 3,000 reservoirs in the southern and western regions during the dry season! It's like India's very own water highway system!
India is pulling out all the stops with 6 other dams and 30 hydropower plants on the Teesta River, not to mention the Gjaldova Barrage. They've been at it for a while, diverting water from tributaries for impressive irrigation projects. And they're not done yet – the game's still on with the Teesta agreement.
But wait, the drama unfolds at the river's mouth with dams playing the role of pirates and Farakka being the ultimate trickster against Bangladesh. They've even constructed barrages on the tributaries, redirecting water before it even reaches Farakka. The plot thickens with the construction of the Indrapuri Barrage on the Sun River, symbolizing the Padma's demise.
And that's not all – a link canal will connect Odisha's Golden Line and Mahanadi, which will then connect to other major rivers to boost water supply to other regions. Can you believe it? It's like a mind-blowing water adventure movie!
India seems to be caught up in its own grand water manipulation scheme, with plans to cut canals from the Brahmaputra and redirect water into the Ganga, sending it all the way to the Deccan. It's like a wild circus act happening at the Farakka Ground!
But amidst all this excitement, the sad part is that the Brahmaputra has already taken a hit. The damming of its tributaries has drastically reduced the width of the Yamuna. It's like a thrilling adventure that takes an unexpected turn to a dark twist.
It's like India is painting a grand water-themed canvas, but we can't ignore the unintended consequences of these projects. So, check this out: There's been a lot of talk about these dams India's been building, right? But hold up, because some experts are saying that India doesn't even need all that water! I mean, we're talking about seven times more water available than what India actually needs. It's like, why the rush to build all these dams if there's already so much water to go around?
And get this, some folks are saying that India's not just looking out for its people. Apparently, the construction of these dams is causing some serious problems for neighbouring countries. Like, there's this dam that was built back in 1969 and it's had a huge impact on the people and the environment in the region. And despite all the protests and displacement, the Indian government is still pushing ahead with these projects. It's like they're willing to undermine the interests of their own people and their neighbours. Crazy, right?
But wait, there's more. Bangladesh has tried to talk things out with India, but it seems like those negotiations keep hitting a dead end. And to top it all off, there's this treaty from 1996 that's supposed to help sort things out, but it's missing some key guarantees and arbitration. So, it's like Bangladesh is stuck relying on luck when dealing with India.
Now let's see how to discipline India!
The way I see it, there needs to be some serious changes before things go too far. I mean, this treaty is set to expire in 2026, so maybe it's time to shake things up and make sure everyone's playing fair.
To safeguard Bangladesh, it's high time for environmental organizations to step up and rally global support against India's encroachment on inter-riverine areas. Collaboration with Indian environmental groups could significantly ease this crisis. India's abstention from the 1997 UN Watershed Convention was primarily driven by these concerns. Despite the convention becoming law in 2014 with Vietnam's signing, Bangladesh refrained from joining. Becoming a signatory could invite UN intervention, offering a potential resolution. With Bangladesh acting as a mediator, it's crucial to address their actions of building dams, electricity generation, and irrigation. Without international attention drawn by public awareness and environmental organizations, Bangladesh risks turning from a green paradise to a desert. Another option is signing the UN Watershed Convention.
