Tensions between India and Bangladesh

The area has to cope with physical and economic water scarcity. India has always over exploited the Ganges and controlled it to the detriment of Bangladesh, now it plans to do the same on the Brahmaputra, Bangladeshs only other real source of water. This might spark a conflict. The population of India is 1.2 billion and Bangladesh is 155 million (2012). The Ganges The river is 2,500km long. The upper and middle course of the river flows through India, reaching Bangladesh at the lower course. About one third of the total population of Bangladesh and about 50% of the Indian population live in the Ganges basin. In 1974 India opened the 11km long Farakka Barrage with aims of diverting water and reviving the Port of Calcutta. This limits the flow to Bangladesh and the diverting to agriculture means the water can be easily polluted by eutrophication. In 1990 a water sharing agreement was made between the countries, but India is still in ultimate control of the water.

The Brahmaputra The river is 2,900 km long. The source of the river is in the Himalayas Like the Ganges this river also flows in India before entering Bangladesh. India now plans to greater utilise this river. The costs for Bangladesh: o The reduced flow will affect food production and irrigation. o Fish stocks and the fishing industry are declining. o Waterborne trading is declining year on year by 10-15%. o The delta is eroding because of less silt and deposition. o Seawater incursion is increasing as the delta dries out. The future projects aim to secure Indias water and generate more power generating 15% of its needs (a lot of dams need to be built).