Naval Wing Locker No: 691

DISSERTATION
73rd STAFF COURSE: 2017-18

RANK AND NAME : COMMANDER M ANWARUL ABEDIN

SUBJECT : WATER AS SOURCE OF CONFLICT :

IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA-BANGLADESH
RELATIONS

SUPERVISORY DS : CAPTAIN JASNEET S SACHDEVA, IN

A dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for

the award of symbol ―PSC‖ and M.Sc., (Defence & Strategic Studies)
Degree at the Defence Services Staff College, Wellington, affiliated to the
University of Madras.

Jan 18
 (ii)

SELF DECLARATION CERTIFICATE

I declare that the dissertation title ―Water as Source of Conflict: Implications

for India-Bangladesh Relations’‖ submitted by me for award of Degree of Master
of Science (M.Sc.) in Defence & Strategic Studies degree is original & that this
work or part of thereof has not been submitted for the award of any degree or
diploma of either this or any other university.

DSSC, Wellington (M A Abedin)

Date : Jan 18 Commander

COUNTERSIGNED

DSSC, Wellington (Jasneet S Sachdeva)

Date : Jan 18 Capt
Supervisory DS
 (iii)

WATER AS SOURCE OF CONFLICT: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA-

BANGLADESH RELATIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter
Chapter Heading Page (s)
No
I. Introduction 1 to 8
Genesis Of Present Water Sharing and
II. Utilization Regime and Factors Affecting the 9 to 19
Future Water Sharing Regime

III. Water as Irritants of Bi-Lateral Relations 20 to 28

Opportunities and Challenges: Water As

IV. Diplomatic and Economic Tool For Forging 29 to 34
Ahead Bi-Lateral Relation
V. Conclusion 35 to 36

VI. Recommendations 37 to 39
WATER AS SOURCE OF CONFLICT: IMPLICATIONS FOR INDIA-
BANGLADESH RELATIONS

“Fierce competition for fresh water may well become a source of conflict and war
in the future.”1

- Kofi Anan

Former Secretary General of United Nations

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1. Resources and need go hand in hand. Depleted resource puts demand

curve in a sharp rise and resultant imbalance fuels conflicts and strife. Industrial
revolution was an effort to revolutionise production, maximize profit through
minimum cost and minimum resource, but over the time, the natural resources,
those were thought to be abundant, falls short in the near future; water is such a
resource. Water is synonymous to life which is inevitable for the household
needs, firming to the industrial production. Therefore, in the era of environmental
degradation where polar ice caps are melting in exceeding pace, the world wide
supply of fresh water is receding. Therefore, no wonder water is thought as the
dominant cause for conflicts in the contemporary world.2 Moreover, the scarcity
of resource in the developing countries causes conflicts and violence, which
leads to security problem, regional insecurity and regional instability.3 South
Asia, being one of the densely populated parts of the world may fall in such
conflict due to the depleted resource like water.

1
―Trans-boundary waters conflict and cooperation.‖Ap online 21 July 2011.
https://www.slideshare.net/environmentalconflicts/conflict-and-transboundary-water-issues.
(accessed on 27 July 2017)
2
―Why global water shortages pose threat of terror and war.‖ Ap online 09 February 2014.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2014/feb/09/global-water-shortages-threat-terror-war.
(accessed on 10 Aug 2017)
3
Malhotra, Pia. ―Water issue between India, Nepal and Bangladesh: A survey of literature.‖ Ap
online 10 July 2010 http://www.ipcs.org/pdf_file/issue/SR95. pdf .(accessed on 30 July 2017)
 2

2. Bangladesh and India shares the common historical past. The long lasting
friendship of two countries began since the emergence of Bangladesh as a
sovereign country. Since then the relation between two countries went a long
way with a little ups and downs. However, with the amicable resolution of
Ganges Water Sharing Agreement on 1997 and long awaited Maritime Boundary
Delineation on 2014 and Lang Boundary Agreement (LBA) on 2015, the relation
between the countries is at the peak4. But there are still some issues mostly
sharing of water of the trans-boundary rives, gives a blunt excuse to the spoiler
to exploit the relation between the countries.5 According to the Joint River
Commission of Bangladesh and India (JRC)6 website, there are as many as 405
big and small rivers in Bangladesh, of which 57 are trans-boundary. Of these 57,
Bangladesh and Myanmar are co-riparian for only three rivers. Given the fact
that Bangladesh and India are co-riparian countries having a common stake on
as many as 54 trans-boundary rivers, it is imperative to devise a functional river
water sharing mechanism for common good to eradicate any possibilities of
conflict between them. Therefore, enjoy the fruit of the regional integration.

3. The proposed research will endeavor to find the water sharing issue as a
conflict between Bangladesh and India. The research will be limited to the
surface water issues, mostly flowing through trans-boundary rivers originate from
the Himalayas and converge into the Bengal Delta. In the process, the causes
behind this potential conflict, with reference to the water utilization model of the
respective countries will be discussed along with the existing water sharing
regime will also be analyzed. At the end, effort will be made to bring up some
way forward and recommendations attributable to resolve the contention
between the countries.

4
―Indian high commissioner: It is the golden age of Bangladesh-India relations.‖ Ap online 19
July 2017. http://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/foreign-affairs/2017/07/19/indian-high-
commissioner-golden-age-bangladesh-india-relations/.(accessed on 11 Aug 2017)
5
―Delhi Woos Dhaka: Bangladesh PM Hasina Gets a Warm Welcome in India‖. Ap online 8 April
2017.http://thediplomat.com/2017/04/delhi-woos-dhaka-bangladesh-pm-hasina-gets-a-warm-
welcome-in-india/.(accessed on 11 Aug 2017)
6
Joint River Commission Web (JRC) Site.10 Sep 2016. http://jrcb.gov.bd/bangla/. (accessed on
14 August 2017)
 3

REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE

4. Findings of Review of the Literature. After consulting the

literatures, the findings pertinent to the research are as follows:

(a) Water as Irritants of Indo-Bangla Relations. Lt Gen Y M

Bammi (retd) (Bammi, 2010) mentioned water sharing of the major trans-
boundary rivers between India-Bangladesh as one of the major
impediments of Indo-Bangla relations. However, at present, after the
resolution of LBA in 2015 and Maritime Boundary Delineation in 2014, his
analysis left only water issue and the political sphere of the two countries
as the major irritants of Indo-Bangla relations. Similar assertions are also
made by Emadduddin Ahmed and Ramaswamy IR Iyer (Alam, 2006) .

(b) Water Sharing Regimes and Future Sharing Models. Biplab

mentioned (Poddar, 2010) the existing water sharing regime of Gnages
Water Treaty (1997) and its effects on both the countries. He also
mentioned the cause and effect of non-materialization of Teesta Water
sharing. The environmental degradation due to non-functioning of water
sharing also discussed with reference to the international regime. The
study suggests that, there are still scope for equitable water sharing
model between India and Bangladesh which can be pursued as per his
recommendation. The same has been voiced in the preface of Managing
South Asia‘s Waters (Alam, 2006).

(c) Indo-Bangla Relations and Political Issues. Lt Gen Y M Bammi

(retd) (Bammi, 2010) described Indo-Bangla relation in a time periodic
manner. His hypothesis of Indo-Bangla relation in light of the political
realm of both the countries is validated in this context. However, apart
from the political assertions irritants like cross border illegal movements,
militancy, trade imbalance and water sharing are also dominant. He
 4

explains the relation in the context of the security and regional context
with particular emphasis on the Pakistan-China nexus vis a vis
Bangladesh‘s alignment. Study of the literature is pertinent in the present
context due the Chinese assertion in the region. Therefore, the water
issue between India and Bangladesh may have a greater significance.

PROBLEM STATEMENT

5. There are as many as 405 big and small rivers in Bangladesh, of which 57
are trans-boundary. Of these 57, Bangladesh and Myanmar are co-riparian for
only three rivers. Therefore, Bangladesh and India are co-riparian countries
having a common stake on as many as 54 trans-boundary rivers. Most of these
rivers originate from the Himalayas and converges to Bengal delta. Being agro
intensive countries both India and Bangladesh depends on the river water for
irrigation and livelihood of people heavily depends on water in terms of fishing,
internal communication, above all there is a deep cultural linkage among the
people and the water. At present Indo-Bangla relation is at apex, therefore
sharing of water between the countries getting primacy. Moreover, water can be
an issue of conflict and can emerged as an irritant of Indo-Bangla relations even
though it has the potential to be become a model of cooperation. Numerous
studies and analyses have been carried out in this field but considering the neo-
geo strategic context the possibilities and probabilities of water issue between
India and Bangladesh needs a new look again. Therefore, the aim of this
research is to analyse reasons for water to be source of conflict and propose a
suggested road map to resolve the issue in a practicable way in furtherance of
the relation of India-Bangladesh relations.

OBJECTIVE OF RESEARCH

6. The purpose of this research is to recommend ways for the plausible

resolution of the water sharing issues between Bangladesh and India, in order to
continue friendly relations between the countries as an exemplary friendship.
 5

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

7. The research shall intend to address following questions:

(a) Primary Question. Is water is a source of conflict between India

and Bangladesh?

(b) Secondary Questions.

(i) How water serves as the life line of India and Bangladesh?
What is the present water utilization regime in the countries? What
is the genesis of the water issue between India and Bangladesh?

(ii) What is the present state of water sharing regime between India
and Bangladesh? What is the role of other stakeholders in the region
regarding water sharing issue between the countries?

(iii) What are the potential/ existing relational issues pertinent to

the water sharing between the countries? What are the
opportunities to resolve the water sharing issue between the
countries?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESES

8. The research hypotheses are as follows:

(a) Null Hypothesis. Water is not a source of conflict in Indo-Bangla

relations.
 6

(b) Alternative Hypotheses.

(i) Water is one of the issues of conflict in Indo-Bangla

relations.

(ii) Water is one of the sources of cooperation attributable to

Indo-Bangla relations.

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

9. Rationale for Adopting the Method of Research. The research will

be pursued based on the secondary source data. It will be a descriptive research
and follow mixed methodology (quantitative and qualitative).

10. Conceptualization of Variables.

(a) Water Resource. Water resource discussed in the research is

limited to the surface water flowing through the trans-boundary rivers
between India and Bangladesh. Water is termed as resource as to
validate the hypothesis of conflict due to resource constraints e.g. water
not sufficient for both the countries.

(b) Conflicts. The conflicts referred in the research are limited to

internal and external strife. The internal strife is mostly due to political
regime and public pressure groups opinion. The external conflicts are
limited to the issues of foreign affairs mostly tacit and implicit non-aligning
measures minus any military means.

(c) Indo-Bangla Relations. The relations mentioned in the research

covers diplomatic, economic and security paradigm. Water issue has the
potential to affect all the dimensions for both the countries. Moreover, the
 7

presence of other players may influence the Indo-Bangla relations if the

peaceful resolution of irritants between the countries is stalled for long.

CHAPTERIZATION

11. The dissertation has been organized under following chapters:-

(a) Chapter I - Introduction. This chapter will state the problem

statement along with research methodology for furtherance of research.

(b) Chapter II - Genesis of the Present Water Sharing and

Utilization Regime and Factors Affecting the Future Water Sharing.
This Chapter will discuss the origin and pertinent issues regarding the
trans-boundary rivers. Thereafter, background causes for water crisis and
present water sharing regime between India and Bangladesh will be
discussed.

(c) Chapter III - Water as Irritants of Relation between the

Countries. This Chapter will carry out an in-depth analysis to find out
answer of water issue as irritants between the countries. The relation
between the countries will also be analyzed through the prism of water
issues.

(d) Chapter IV - Opportunities and Challenges: Water as

Diplomatic and Economic Tool for Forging Ahead Bilateral Relation.
This chapter will be the last part of the main text, in which, plausible
approaches and methods will be proposed to resolve the conflicting issue
between the countries for a cooperative relation.

(e) Chapter V - Conclusion. This chapter will have the concluding

remarks on the overall paper.
 8

(f) Chapter VI - Recommendation. This chapter will suggest

practicable road maps to resolve water as cooperation than conflict.
CHAPTER II: GENESIS OF PRESENT WATER SHARING AND UTILIZATION
REGIME AND FACTORS AFFECTING THE FUTURE WATER SHARING
REGIME

Genesis of Water Sharing and Issues Pertinent

1. General. Bangladesh is a land of rivers. The livelihood, economic

activity, agriculture and above all environment have close relation with the rivers
converging into the Bengal Delta. The same applies to India and other countries
of the region. Moreover, ever increasing demographic balance of the region over
last few decades will certainly have ever more increasing demand for fresh water
from all sources. Therefore, it is required to have a judicious water sharing
regime to address the need in a sustainable manner. In this context it is
imperative to analyse the water profile as well as the existing water sharing
regime in the region specially India and Bangladesh context.

Fig 2-1: Trans-Boundary Rivers Converge in Bay of Bengal

2. Source of Water and River Basin System. South Asia is a region of

both water abundance and scarcity. The Hindu Kush-Himalayan region (HKH) is
one of the largest storehouses of fresh water in the world, and its mountains are
 10

the source of major river systems.7 The three Himalayan rivers, the Indus, the
Ganga and the Brahmaputra arise within 300 km from each other in the
Himalayan glaciers. While the Ganga originates inside the Himalayas, the Indus
and the Brahmaputra originate beyond, in the Trans-Himalayan Tibetan region—
the Indus taking a westward course towards the Arabian Sea, and the Ganga
and Brahmaputra making the journey towards the Bay of Bengal in the East of
the sub-continent. Individually, each of these main rivers is among the largest
rivers in the world, and together they constitute the ―Himalayan river system.‖
While the Indus and the Ganga are each principal rivers of two separate river
systems, this difference is over-ridden by the overall contiguity of the Indo-
Gangetic plains. Together, these three rivers are estimated to carry an average
of 1,200 cubic meters of water every year.8 When combined with the Meghna
(Barak), a non-Himalayan river which has an average annual flow of 100 cubic
meter, the Ganga-Brahmaputra Meghna becomes the world's third largest river
system. These rivers not only provide water but are also a major focus of
religious and cultural life in the region. The average month wise flow of major
rivers is shown below.9

Contest over Water in the Region and Potential for Conflict

3. In addition to a revered religious, cultural and economic relation with the

water which can be a binding factor amongst the people in the region, water is
also a contentious issue. The demand of a huge population, ultra-nationalistic
sentiments, political card and overall age of mistrust amongst the nations,
portrays water as fuel for ignition than a defusing agent.

7
―The status of glaciers in the hindukush-himalayan region.‖ Ap online 11 July 2012.
http://lib.icimod.org/record/9419/files/icimod-the_status_of_glaciers_in_the_hindu_kush-
himalayan_region[1].pdf. (accessed on 13 Nov 2017)
8
ibid.
9
―Impacts of climate change and socio-economic scenarios on flow and water quality of the Ganges,
Brahmaputra and Meghna (GBM) river systems: low flow and flood statistics.‖ Ap online 1 June 2015
http://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2015/em/c4em00619d/unauth#!divAbstract.(accesse
d on 14 Nov 2017)
 11

4. Water for Huge Population and Cyclic Water Surplus and Scarcity.
South Asia is inhabited by 1.4 billion people and home to 40 per cent of all those
living in poverty worldwide. The Indus-Ganges-Brahmaputra (IGB) basin alone
supports over half billion people (10 % of the world's population), an area where
poverty is endemic and agriculture forms the main basis of livelihood. Hence,
though theoretically the availability of water is high, access to water remains one
of the major challenges. In addition, water supply remains seasonal in nature.
The IGBM river systems exhibit a remarkable variation in the temporal and
spatial availability of water, and the hydrology of the rivers follows the rainfall
pattern. About 80% of the total annual flow occurs between June to September,
with the remaining 20% occurring during the rest of the months. This results in
an alternative cycle of excess and scarcity leading to conflicts over water-
sharing. However, to a great extent the crises is precipitated because of the
decreasing water quality and the inefficient and inequitable way the resource is
governed and managed. This poses a threat both to water as an environmental
resource as well as means of survival.

5. Lack of Intra-regional Confidence and Ultra-nationalism. Ideally

cooperation based on mutual trust, transparency and information sharing among
riparian countries should ensure the best management and sharing of water.
However, given the atmosphere of hostility, 'up stream downstream' syndrome,
'unequal' partnerships, lack of definitive international laws, regional principles or
enforceable global conventions, a number of conflicts have erupted in South
Asia on trans-border water issues. To understand this, one must begin with a
certain geographical reality. India shares contiguous borders with all these South
Asian countries, is both an upper and lower riparian, and is a giant in terms of its
size (and economy) when compared to Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Not
surprisingly (and due to a host of other reasons) tensions have arisen between
India and most of these countries on cross-border water issues. The atmosphere
of mistrust among some of these countries, together with the fact that India is
 12

perceived as a 'hegemon' by its neighbours has not helped the situation. Water
has been a serious tension point between India (upper riparian) and Pakistan
(lower riparian); between India (upper riparian) and Bangladesh (lower riparian);
and between India (lower riparian) and Nepal (upper riparian). India and
Pakistan have fought four wars over Kashmir. According to some, the major
underlying issue is about water. There is a widespread perception in Pakistan
(which heavily relies on the Indus water system) that the Indian control of the
Indus water-head can be misused to block water to Pakistan and devastate its
economy. India refutes these charges and pledges its commitment to the Indus
Water Treaty (IWT). Indeed the IWT between the two has survived the ups and
downs of Indo-Pak relations, but has lately come under strain with India's plans
to construct eleven large hydroelectric projects, including the Baglihar and
Kishenganga Hydro Electric projects.

6. Indo-Bangla Contention on Water Sharing. India and Bangladesh

are the co-riparian states with 54 rivers crossing their borders, including two
large Himalayan river systems, the Ganges and the Brahmaputra. The major
issue of dispute between the two countries has been the Ganga, though the
Brahmaputra and Teesta are also entering the shadow of conflict. In the past,
tensions have peaked when Ganges water have reached extreme low levels in
dry seasons causing crop losses in Bangladesh. In 1993, the then Bangladeshi
Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia accused India's diversion of river water near
the border as ―a gross violation of human rights and justice.‖ Controversy has
raged over the Farrakka Barrage constructed by India on the Ganges near the
border with Bangladesh. Attitudes have been rigid on both sides regarding the
water dispute. The Indian establishment alleges Bangladesh of being
unreasonable as the barrage was crucial to divert water to the Calcutta port, and
of greatly over-stating its water needs. Bangladesh contends that such diversion
has resulted in falling water tables and greater water salinity downstream for
Bangladesh. It is perceived in Bangladesh as typically a case of a more powerful
 13

country disregarding the case of a smaller and weaker neighbour. India's

proposal of building a number of dams in the North East, and its mega plan of
linking its rivers (now under review) has become yet another bone of contention
between the two countries.

7. Indo-Nepal Water Use Regime. Between India and Nepal, water has
often strained the relatively better relationship between the two countries. Nepal
has enormous hydro-electric potential in the Himalayan rivers. The expectation is
that a series of projects for the export of power will generate vast financial
resources for the country. However Nepal lacks the capital and technology
required for such large projects. The peak power deficit in India is around 7,556
MW in 201410, and as power consumption is expected to be double by 2020 11,
peak power deficit may increase in future. Thus, India sees its interest in the
utilisation of the Nepal's rivers. This has been the basis of various water-
resource development agreements between India and Nepal. All these treaties,
including the Mahakali Treaty of 1996 have been criticised in Nepal. The
Mahakali treaty faced popular unrest and remains stalled. The dominant feeling
in Nepal has been that these treaties have not been equitable.

8. Dam on Trans-boundary Rivers and Merchandising of Water. The

question that becomes relevant here is what is fuelling this 'dam-race' in South
Asia at a time when dams are being indicted or decommissioned globally. The
widespread speculation in Bangladesh that, India‘s rapid development will need

10
―Peak power deficit drops to 5.4% in April: Central Electricity Authority.‖ Ap online 18 May
2014. http://www.livemint.com/Industry/lVcphdP5npP0OLnxrVnzFM/Peak-power-deficit-drops-to-
54-in-April-Central-Electrici.html.(accessed on 13 Jan 2018)
11
―India Power Consumption to double by 2020:KPMG BRIC Report.‖ Ap online Dec 2017.
https://www.indiainfoline.com/article/news-sector-others/india-power-consumption-to-double-
by-2020-kpmg-bric-report-113100701456_1.html. (accessed on 13 Jan 2018)
 14

a huge energy and hence she may develop hydropower projects on trans-
boundary rivers.12 Others point out that in the last decade, across South Asia
there has been a growing control of water resources by giant transnational water
companies, and that mega projects and dams are paving the way for the
'merchandising' of water. The mega projects and dams entails high financial,
ecological and human, and have been constructed in the most intensely
contested sites of conflict within each country and across borders between dam
affected and drought/flood affected areas. Other cases of tension arising from
the daming of frontier or shared rivers are the Indian River Linking Project
(IRLP), the Kosi High Dam and Barrage, the Tipaimukh Dam which are among
the numerous projects planned or being constructed and which are taking on the
form of conflict, not only between the state and communities of people opposed
to or affected by them, but also between countries.

Present Water Sharing and Utilization Regime Between India and

Bangladesh

9. Notwithstanding the difference on numerous issues, there are also ray of

hope persists in the region. The countries could come across number of water
sharing agreements and adhere to those despite many odds. Such successes
can be a stepping stone for formulating sustainable water sharing regime for the
other trans-boundary rivers.

10. The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh
1996. The origin of the Ganges water dispute dates back to 1951 when India
first came up with the idea of building a barrage at Farakka to divert the water of
the Ganges. India wanted to build this barrage in order to preserve and maintain

12
―India and Nepal sign deal to build another mega-dam.‖ Ap online 2014.
https://www.thethirdpole.net/2014/11/27/india-and-nepal-sign-deal-to-build-another-mega-dam/.
(accessed on 12 Jan 2018)
 15

the port of Calcutta by improving the regime and navigability of the Bhagirathi-
Hooghly river system. Finally India begun the building of the Farakka Barrage in
1961 and it was finished by 1975, Bangladesh, was confronted with all the
consequences. In the dry season, the barrage blocked the natural flow of water
into the country, causing drastic water shortages. And in the rainy season,
sudden water releases caused floods and extensive damage, including the loss
of property and human lives. After several rounds of negotiations in 1972 the
governments of India and Bangladesh agreed to establish the Joint Rivers
Commission (JRC) on a permanent basis. Under international pressure, as
Bangladesh formally protested against India through the UN, the Ganges Waters
Agreement was signed in 1977 Bangladesh took up the issue with the United
Nations, which asked both sides to come to a settlement. In 1977, the first major
short term agreement for sharing of dry season flow at Farakka was signed, for a
period of five years. Two more short term MOU's were signed which lapsed by
1988. Between1988–96, all efforts to reach an understanding failed, in the
absence of which India continued to withdraw water .In 1996, the Ganga Treaty
was signed with a new government coming to power in Dhaka. The Ganga
Treaty is the only ―water sharing‖ treaty in South Asia signed on 12 December
1996. The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wajed, and the Indian
Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda signed a thirty year-long treaty in New Delhi
on the sharing of the Ganges water. The salient features of the treaty are given
below:-
 16

In case of emergency situation, such as the flow at Farakka falling below 50,000
cusec, both sides is required to hold ―immediate consultation.‖ Any dispute
arising in this is to be referred to the JRC (Joint Rivers Commission). If dispute
remains unresolved, it should be referred to the two governments which would
meet immediately at appropriate level, to resolve issues through discussion.

Pitfalls of Existing Water Sharing Regimes and Factors Affecting

11. On the flip side of existing water sharing and utilizing regime, there is also
criticism. All this criticism is not only to defame existing regime, and these voices
are to be taken into consideration for formulation of a more sustainable water
sharing regime between India and Bangladesh. Moreover, ultra-nationalist
approach, politicization of water issue, absence of suggestion of any futuristic
water management formula and above all, blunt eye towards intrinsic factors like
effect on livelihood and emotional values, at times, hinder any successful
progression of water related agreement.

12. Shortfalls of Ganges Water Treaty. The Ganges treaty sates that
both the government will try to augment the flow of the Ganges during the lean
season. But that has not been done. It means that some barrages have to be
constructed in Nepal to get water during lean season. But that has not been
taken up at all. However, India and Nepal have agreed for the Sapta Kosi
barrage which is likely to produce 3500 MW energy but all discussion has
remained bi-lateral.13 Bangladesh has proposed that all the three countries
should work together. But Bangladesh has not been invited to participate. It is a
fact that the Ganga has very little water during the dry season for both countries
to share. Over the years the two countries have floated various proposals to
increase the supply, such as the above mentioned dams in Nepal, or diverting
the excessive ―unused‖ water from the Brahmaputra, but these proposals have
themselves been steeped in controversy. Moreover, the Treaty cannot guarantee

13
―High Dam Planned for Nepal's Sapta Koshi River.‖ Ap online Sep 2004. http://www.ens-
newswire.com/ens/sep2004/2004-09-20-04.html.(accessed on 12 Jan 2018)
 17

that certain quantity of water will be available to us. Nor can it guarantee the
quality of water that is available. Rivers should be alive if its benefits are to be
shared and water experts on the globe have come to the conclusion that there is
a need for the river to have some kind of an ecological flow. The Ganga Treaty
does not address such ecological concerns.

13. Absence of Futuristic Water Use Regime. The dominant lacuna of

any agreement or discussion in the region lies in short time solution perspective.
Any sustainable water sharing agreement warrants feedback and amendment
options. For water such clause is paramount due to steady decrease of water
flow and increasing demand. Such supply and demand gap can be augment by
other water sharing treaties, incorporation of cooperative water management
initiative and suggestive futuristic water utilization regime. Unfortunately, no
existing water sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh catered for
such.

14. Lack of Inter-Country Confidence. Given the turbulent history of the

region, and of negotiations regarding water projects, there is lack of trust
between the countries, particularly with regard to India. While some of it comes
from the sheer geographical and economic facts, a lot of it comes from India
playing a dominant role in the region. In Nepal and Bangladesh, it was pointed
out that a positive step in building trust was made by the ―Gujral Doctrine‖ which
stated that with smaller neighbours like Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal
and Sri Lanka, India without asking for reciprocity, gives and accommodates
what it can in good faith and trust—something that India had later abandoned.
The need to have an open sharing of information with regard to water was a fact
that was stressed in all the countries.

15. Choice between Bilateral or International Resolution. Most of

these trans-boundary rivers are international rivers, crossing more than two
countries. However, the treaties are bilateral. India would like to be treated
bilaterally whereas Nepal and Bangladesh would like a regional approach. Such
 18

view is seen with an apprehension by Bangladesh and Nepal that, India is a big
brother and India thinks that they are ganging up against it. Therefore, if Nepal
and Bangladesh have to sign an agreement to construct an upstream basin for
increased water flow during dry season, it requires three agreements i.e. Nepal
and Bangladesh agree to certain proposals, before that Bangladesh and India
must sign an agreement. And then India and Nepal must sign another
agreement. Such procedure is too cumbersome and time consuming.

16. Absence of All Encompassing Study in the Treaties. As in the

case of most conflict and peace treaties, water treaties are dominated by
resolution of extrinsic concerns. Which sideline environmental concerns, its
impacts on people across borders and their needs and compensation etc. The
unresolved associated social and environmental factors and ill-involved ordinary
people in the management of shared water resources, despite being the most
affected party will question the sustainability of any water sharing treaty in future.

17. Nation-State Centric vis-a-vis Intra-state Consensus for Water

Sharing Treaties. Despite the fact that water use and management involve a
plurality of players, water treaties remain an 'exclusive business' of nation states,
totally dominated by state machineries. The only other players which seem to get
'legitimate' entry are big corporations and businesses. Civil society, voices of
people and other parties living in the basin or affected by these treaties have no
voice or space. Governance of water required a far more open and equal
interplay between states, markets and civil society in the region. In case of Indo-
Bangla water sharing, the issue if far more complicated due to politisisation of
water sharing. Therefore, it is difficult to come close to an agreement when
national poll is close. The ultra-nationalistic comments can inflate the vote bank
but misses out the opportunity for a greater benefit through cooperation. The
federal system of India warrants the consent of state concern for any agreement
over water issue, which is manifested clearly in the Teesta water sharing
discussion.
 19

18. Pollution of Ganges/ Padma River. The quality of water is also a

dominant factor for a successful water sharing agreement. The pollution of the
Ganga from sewage and chemical discharge in India remains a serious problem
despite the Ganga Action Plan initiated in 1985.14 There is also a perception in
Bangladesh that India secretly diverts a portion of the flow of the Ganges
upstream during dry months, causing acute water stress and environmental
damage in Bangladesh when the dry-season flow is low. However, the Indian
External Ministry states that it releases far more water than is the genuine
requirement of Bangladesh. On the contrary, it is felt that Bangladesh
exaggerates its needs, and a lot of water is not utilised and ―unused‖ in the Bay
of Bengal.

14
―Ganga Action Plan.‖ http://www.mppcb.nic.in/gap.htm. (accessed on 8 Jan 2018)
CHAPTER III: WATER AS IRRITANTS OF BI-LATERAL RELATIONS

"When the well is dry, we learn the worth of water"15

- Benjamin Franklin

(Former President of United States)

1. General. International relations evolve around realism keeping

national interest at primacy. Therefore, relation between neighbours is often
stretched due to conflicting interest. Such premise prevails is a resource
constraint environment between Bangladesh and India. Notwithstanding present
bonhomie between the countries, few irritants still persist, and water sharing of
trans-boundary rivers is considered as prime amongst all.16 Even though round
of talks on water sharing and the Ganges water sharing treaty of 1996 in vogue,
water sharing continues to be a substantial thorn in Indio- Bangla relations.
Unfortunately, such stalemate is conducive for the perpetrators to exploit.
Moreover, numerous initiatives were also undertaken by both the countries in
isolation mostly to mitigate own water depravity which, raise apprehension in
other. Therefore, a close examination of water sharing issue as irritants, need to
be examined in a neutral prism.

2. River intervening structures and River Flow Diversion. There exist

a lot of tensions between India and Bangladesh due to river intervening/ diverting
structures. These structures that India is constructing on almost all the trans-
boundary rivers are influencing the situation in Bangladesh. These river linking
initiatives are an effort by India (Upper riparian) to mitigate her water scarcity in
the draught prone area. However, such initiatives have both environmental and
humanitarian ramifications since both countries are heavily dependent on the
flow of these trans-boundary rivers. The river intervening structures and river
flow diversion proposals/ projects are as follows:-

15
―Better world Quotes.‖ Ap online Sep 2014. http://www.doonething.org/heroes/franklin.htmn
(accessed on 11 Nov 2017)
16
India-Bangladesh Relations: The Way Ahead by Lt Gen Y M Bammi (Retd), PhD. Pp 111-120
 21

(a) Diversion of Brahmaputra to Fed in Western Part. India

proposes to divert the Brahmaputra at Jogighopa in Assam through
Bangladesh into Ganges near Farakka.17

(b) Gajoldoba Dam Over River Teesta. A dam that has large
effects on Bangladesh is the Gojoldoba dam that India built upstream on
the river Teesta. This dam reduces and some cases divert water flow of
Teesta. Moreover, there is no communication between the countries
about the management of the gates. Therefore, lower riparian Bangladesh
suffers from floods during monsoon seasons.

Fig: 3.1 Gajoldoba Dam Site

(c) Construction of the Tipaimukh Dam. Construction of the

Tipaimukh Dam is another contentious issue between India and
Bangladesh. Tipaimukh Dam is a hydel power project (1500 MW project)

17
―India set to start massive project to divert Ganges and Brahmaputra rivers.‖ Ap
online 10 Nov 2016 https://www.theguardian.com/global-
development/2016/may/18/india-set-to-start-massive-project-to-divert-ganges-and-
brahmaputra-rivers. (accessed on 12 Nov 2017)
 22

proposed on the river Barak in Manipur.18 Bangladesh's objection is that it

would have adverse ecological effects in its eastern Sylhet district. In spite
of India's reiteration that no dam would be constructed overlooking
Bangladesh's objections, the controversy is far from over as Bangladesh
urged India not to decide without taking Bangladesh into confidence, and
there is absence of any ecological study regarding the dam on Surma-
Kusiyara-Meghna and their tributaries.

Fig 3.2 Tipaimukh Dam Site

(d) Storage Reservoir in the Ganges Basin. Bangladesh

proposes to build storage reservoirs in the Ganges basin itself to augment
the dry season flow. A compromise seems remote as both are sticking to
their own proposals. This conflict is a typical up- and downstream riparian
issue as India wants to divert water for its own irrigation, navigability and

18
―Trans Boundary Water Sharing Issues: A Case of South Asia.‖ Ap online Nov 2017
http://pu.edu.pk/images/journal/pols/Currentissue-pdf/Iram5.pdf.(accessed on 12 Nov 2017)
 23

water supply and Bangladesh want to maintain the historic flow for its own
uses.

3. Sharing of Water of River Teesta. Teesta is the fourth largest trans-

boundary river shared between India and Bangladesh, after the Ganges,
Brahmaputra and the Meghna (GBM) river system. The total catchment area of
the GBM is about 1.75 million square km. The Teesta originates in the Indian
state of Sikkim and its total length is 414 km, out of which 151 km lie in Sikkim,
142 kms flow along the Sikkim-West Bengal boundary and through West Bengal,
and 121 km run in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the river mainly affects the five
northern districts of Rangpur Division: Gaibandha, Kurigram, Lalmonirhat,
Nilphamari and Rangpur. In 1983, an ad-hoc water sharing agreement was
reached between India and Bangladesh, whereby both countries were allocated
39% and 36% of the water flow respectively. The new bilateral treaty expands
upon this agreement by proposing an equal allocation of the Teesta
River. According to a report on the Teesta by The Asia Foundation in 2013, its
flood plain covers about 14% of the total cropped area of Bangladesh and
provides direct livelihood opportunities to approximately 7.3% of its population.

4. The Indian River Linking Project (IRLP). The interlinking of rivers is

one of the largest water projects on the agenda of the Indian Government still to
be completed19. The idea originates from the perception of the Indian
Government that some major rivers like the Ganges and the Brahmaputra
(Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga link) have surplus water which could be
redistributed to areas with water deficit which is a concern for Bangladesh.20 The
project objective is to link 37 Indian rivers in the Himalayan Peninsular area. The
rivers in the Himalayan area make it a trans-boundary issue as they are not

19
―Narendra Modi‘s $87 billion river-linking project set to take off as floods hit India.‖ Ap online 4
Sep 2017.http://www.livemint.com/Politics/CXOomlTqJMoDYIXPrLVrNP/Narendra-Modis-87-
billion-riverlinking-project-set-to-tak.html. (accessed on 27 Nov 2017)
20
Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation. Ap online Nov
2017. http://www.wrmin.nic.in/forms/list.aspx?lid=1279. (accessed on 27 Nov 2017)
 24

completely in Indian territory but shared principally with Nepal and Bangladesh.
India is taking a unilateral position towards this project by not informing either of
the countries officially which generates tensions between the countries.
Moreover the feasibility of the entire project and initial studies data is restricted,
which makes is difficult to assess the project in an appropriate way. Assessing
this is not within the scope of this research but this project is mentioned as it puts
a strain on all the country relations in the South Asia region.

Fig 3.3: River Linking Project21

Adverse Effect on Bangladesh

5. Bangladesh claims that, Farakka diversion has brought harmful

geographical changes as well as adversely affected the economic conditions of

21
―Great expectations from ―River Linking Project of India.‖ Ap online 13 Oct 2014.
https://www.google.com.bd/search?q=indian+river+interlink+project&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa
=X&ved=0ahUKEwjUjI7Z897XAhXDLI8KHcIhCGAQ_AUICigB&biw=1164&bih=631#imgrc=Ga66
Y9TXqIPemM. (accessed on 3 Dec 2017)
 25

people of the region. The claimed negative impacts on the various aspects are
as follows:-

. (a) Impact on hydrology. Owing to the Ganges diversion the

minimum discharge of the Ganga at Hardinge Bridge fell below the
minimum ever recorded. The minimum discharge of the Ganges reached
a record low of 23,000 cusecs as compared to historical average of
64,430 cusecs. In April 1976 a discharge of 25,700 was recorded. On an
average Ganges flow was reduced by 45% for the months of Feb-April of
1976 and 1977. 22

(b) Impact on the Ground Water. In the White Paper the

Bangladesh government claimed that the hydraulic cycle of surface and
groundwater are interdependent. In the 1976 the ground water level in the
highly affected area went down by 5 feet on average with a range of 3 to 8
feet below normal. During the years 1995-96, ground water level data
were collected from 152 selected piezometric wells. It is observed that
from the analysis of water level data of 1995-96 that compared with 1978
position, most of the well have registered considerable fall in the
groundwater level. The fall of ground water level is highest in the districts
of Rajshahi, Kustia, Khulna and Jessore.23

(c) Increase in Salinity. Bangladesh claimed that since the late

seventies, the Southwest region has been facing the critical problem of
salinity intrusion from the Bay of Bengal as a result of the drastic
reduction of freshwater flows in the Gorai river -the major distributary of
the Ganges. The increased intrusion of seawater in the surface water of
Southwest Bangladesh was one of the most substantial effects claimed by
Bangladesh to be result of Farakka withdrawals. The saline intrusion in
the estuary is natural phenomenon, which is offset by strong surface
22
A.M Dewan and K. Nizamuddin, "Impact Of Ganges Water Diversion on The South-West Part
of Bangladesh: A Perception Study," BliSS Journal, Vol20, No 2, p.178.
23
Ibid.
 26

freshwater flow. Bangladesh claimed that due to heavy upstream

diversion the region receives very insignificant flow to check the salinity.
The year wise minimum water discharge to salinity level is shown below:-
24

Year Minimum Discharge Salinity

1968 58,800 1000
1976 23,200 136,000
1982 31,400 11500

Bangladesh claims that salinity intrusion has vastly affected the Khulna
region. The reduced dry season flow has caused excessive riverbed
siltation, leading to frequent changes of river regime and devastating
floods during the monsoon.

(d) Impact on Irrigation. Bangladesh claimed that the reduced

Water flow and penetration of salinity in the fresh water assumed to be
the damaging factor in agriculture, the most important sector of the
economy. It was attributed to the reduced river flow leading to depleted
soil moisture, delay in crop planting and shortened growing season. The
Ganges-Kodabak project, which is providing irrigation to 142,000 hectares
of land from the mid 1960's, had been severely affected due to withdrawal
of water at Farakka. Bangladesh Agriculture Research Council spelled out
that direct loss of agricultural products is due to soil moisture depletion,
delayed planting and increases in the salinity amounts.

(e) Effect on the Industry. The reduced water level and

subsequent increase in the salinity have adversely affected the industrial
sector especially the thermal power stations and the paper mills situated
in the South-Western region of the country. The government of
Bangladesh claimed that the forest of Sunder ban which provides raw
24
T. A. Khan, "Water Based Disasters in Bangladesh", in Q.K. Ahmed [ed.] Bangladesh Water
Vision 2025, Masro Printing, Dhaka, 2000, p-57.
 27

materials for news prints mills, paper mills, match factories and furniture
factories is also affected due to increased salinity.

(f) Impact on the Fisheries. The Gangetic water system supports

over 200 species of freshwater fish. The fisheries not only support
economy but also form the staple diet of large population. Bangladesh
claimed that diversion of the Ganges and the pollution upstream has
adversely affected the fish catches. Environmental experts also claimed
that reduced water availability significantly reduced the landing of fish
probably because of disturbance of the historic food chain and inability of
fish to tolerate shallow depths and the unprecedented levels of salinity.25

(g) Effect on the Navigation. The inland waterway navigation

through country boats, ferries, mechanized cargo etc., is the major mode
of transportation in Bangladesh. The Bangladesh government claimed
that Farakka diversion has led to fall in water level and causes
sedimentation therefore, seriously disrupting the navigation.26

(h) Ecology and Health. Bangladesh claimed that Farakka

withdrawal has initiated process of environmental degradation particularly
in the Sunder ban. Further, Bangladesh argued that water withdrawal had
impact on domestic and municipal water supply and public health. As
people use both surface water and groundwater for domestic purposes,

25
Government of Peoples Republic of Bangladesh White Paper on the Ganges Water Dispute,
September 1976, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
26
Bhim Subba, Himalayan Waters: Promises and Potential, Problems and Politics, Panos
Institute Publication, Kathmandu (2001); pp.152-200.
 28

due to drastic reduction of surface water, the people have been totally
dependent on ground water which is degraded due to salinity.

Fig: 3.4 Salinity Level in Bangladesh Coast

 CHAPTER IV- OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES: WATER AS
DIPLOMATIC AND ECONOMIC TOOL FOR FORGING AHEAD BI-LATERAL
RELATION

“No important water-sharing treaty has been signed in the world in this century,
indicating how increasing water stress is making sharing and cooperation more
difficult‖27

- Brahma Chellaney
In ‗Water: Asia‘s New Battleground‘.

1. In an optimistic note, sharing of water between India and Bangladesh is

one of the irritants in Indo-Bangla relations though it is one of the stepping
stones for a harmonious relation between the countries. There is varying opinion
in both the countries to go for a better deal in water sharing while keeping
interest of country as primacy. However, such water sharing also subjected to
internal political milieu of both the countries, especially for India where central
decision for any water sharing deal attributes consensus among the states
concerned. Notwithstanding, the above challenges, there are also opportunities
which may be pursued by both the countries to embark onto a well ushered
resolution of water sharing agreement between them.

2. Potential Forum for Discussion. The resolution of water sharing

between the countries can also be undertake in a gamut of bilateral, regional and
extra-regional co-operative initiative. Apart from bilateral initiatives, several
regional cooperation and economic initiative may act as interlocutor to reach an
applauded solution. The following forums may be act as playrooms of talk apart
from bilateral initiatives:

(a) The South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation

(SAARC). SAARC is a platform for negotiation in concerned issues
between the countries despite occasional upheavals. SAARC charter
heralds ―promoting peace, stability, amity and progress in the region
through strict adherence to the principles of the United Nations (UN)
27
―Oh Teesta! The river which gives Bangladesh heartburns.‖ Ap online 6 June 2015.
http://www.hindustantimes.com/india/oh-teesta-the-river-which-gives-bangladesh-
heartburns/story-mehLzuY0iFvcU9bjpXQ8FI.html.(accessed on 25 Sep 2017)
 30

Charter and Non-Alignment, particularly respect for the principles of

sovereign equality, territorial integrity, national independence, non-use of
force and non-interference in the internal affairs of other States and
peaceful settlement of all disputes‖. In the negotiation process a couple of
core areas for cooperation where identified:

(i) Agriculture and Rural Development.

(ii) Health and population activities.
(iii) Women, Youth and Children.
(iv) Environment and forestry.
(v) Science and technology and meteorology.
(vi) Human resources development and
(vii) Transport.

And thus it holds the potential to evolve into more than an economic
cooperative relationship. Also to note that, water issue becomes pertinent
in most of the core areas as mentioned above.

(b) The South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA). Following on the
South Asian Preferential Trading Arrangement that was signed in 1993
the SAFTA came in to being as of January 2006 aiming at the reduction of
tariffs for interregional trade among the member countries. Significant
economic cooperation under SAFTA however does not seem feasible
unless relationships among the major countries of the region improve
creating an atmosphere where the level of trust can be enhanced.
Therefore, resolving water sharing among the member countries
especially Indo-Bangla perspective can set an example for a harmonious
relation fueling better economic ties.
 31

Cooperative Water Sharing and Utilisation Opportunities

3. Water sharing initiative of the Indo-Bangla trans-boundary rivers at times

stalemates due to underpinning respective national interest at primacy. However,
this stalemate can be resolved if a wider regional/bi-lateral beneficial perspective
is thought upon. The geographical location of Bangladesh offers India an
opportunity to harmonise development of her North-Eastern States, if water
sharing can effectively be used as a tool for forging bi-lateral ties. Moreover, as
all the trans-boundary rivers meets Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh,
cooperative river water sharing with respect to common basin/barrage, reviving
cost effective inland water-ways and sustainable agriculture. Therefore, following
opportunities can be regarded to break the stalemate of Indo-Bangla water
sharing:

(a) Ganges Barrage in Lower Stream. There is a plan to build

barrage on the Ganges (Padma) River inside Bangladesh in order to
divert water to the Sundarbans and supply irrigation water to the G.K.
Project and Pabna Project areas. There is no big risk in this project. But
the proposed location of the barrage at Habaspur, Rajbari, is too far from
the G.K. Project area. So it will not be possible to supply water to the
project area from this barrage. There is a plan that monsoon water will be
stored in the proposed Ganges Barrage. But storing monsoon water in the
Ganges Barrage is impossible for practical reasons. Moreover, a barrage
only regulates gates to let flood water flow and control lean flows, while a
dam is built to store river water for producing electricity and there is
provision for letting flood waters pass through spillways. India raised
objection to this barrage on plea that, it would inundate Indian territories.
However, as Teesta Barrage which is only 8 km away from the border is
not inundating Indian territory, such concern may be resolved based on
scientific data sharing. The Ganges Barrage in Bangladesh should be
 32

relocated at a site near the G.K. Project head works, which is about 50 km
away from the border. 28

(b) Water Sharing of Brahmaputra River. Brahmaputra, which

originates in China and runs through India as well as Bangladesh, is
important for the water security of all the three countries, but with different
implications for each of them. The river originates in Tibet, controlled by
China (upper riparian), runs through India (middle riparian) and flows into
Bangladesh (lower riparian). However, despite concerns related to
regional security due to dam building and water-diversion activities, no
bilateral or multilateral water management accord exists in the
Brahmaputra river basin. There have been rumours of Chinese plans to
divert the Brahmaputra to deal with the domestic water shortages.
Whereas, China is concerned about India‘s efforts to build hydroelectric
dams in Arunachal Pradesh that would increase India‘s control on the
disputed region. The border dispute and lack of mutual trust between the
two countries provide little option to come up with agreements or water
treaties. It appears that China was reluctant to engage in basin-wide
cooperation with India and Bangladesh, but maybe open to exploring
multilateral avenues based on information sharing and technical
challenges. Although India and China have increased their dialogue on
information sharing on the Brahmaputra, a deep sense of distrust still
prevails among the two countries. With Bangladesh, India‘s concerns
related to the Brahmaputra are a part of its wider relations with other
countries conducted through JRC) and specific agreements on the Teesta
and the Ganges river. Bangladesh faces the maximum potential threat to
the Brahmaputra from the actions of its two upper riparian neighbours as
its population highly depends on the river waters that originate

28
―Water sharing should top the list.‖Ap online 4 April 2017.
http://www.thedailystar.net/opinion/interviews/water-sharing-should-top-the-list-
1385812.(accessed on 2 Nov 2017)
 33

from outside its boundaries. Bangladesh looks at the many river-related

activities of India, like the river interlinking project, the failed Teesta 2011
agreement, the current river-diversion plans, its consumption of the
Ganges river resources that have led to lower dry season flows and
salinity intrusion with more caution that it does with China‘s dam-building
plans or its lack of transparency. However, both India and China share
seasonal water flow and rainfall data with Bangladesh to help with flood
forecasting. Recently, the relations between India and Bangladesh have
improved and there is hope that this will lead to the signing of the
agreement on the Teesta river, thus setting the stage for further positive
interactions between the two countries. Among the three riparians,
Bangladesh is the strongest advocate of cooperative multilateral
management and development of the basin.29

(c) Inland Water-way Transit through Bangladesh. As part of 22

MOUs signed in 2015 during India‘s premiere visit to Bangladesh, land
and waterway transit through Bangladesh attained much attention.
However, coastal and land transit operation commences in 2016-201730
but inland water transit through river-ways operation subjects to
availability of river-route and adequate water. In this backdrop, this is an
opportunity to from a joint working group to determine required river route
to enable transit along with adequacy of water need to operate through
selected rived route. Therefore, considering mutual interest, water sharing
of those rivers may be expedited considering navigability of those rivers
throughout the year.

29
―When neighbours fight for water.‖ Ap online 25 Oct 2016.
http://www.indiawaterportal.org/articles/when-neighbours-fight-water.(accessed on 12 Nov 17)
30
―Coastal Shipping Could Propel Ties Between India and Bangladesh.‖ Ap online 6 June 2016.
https://thewire.in/43645/coastal-shipping-could-reinvigorate-bilateral-ties-between-india-and-
bangladesh/. (accessed on 12 Nov 2017)
 34

(d) Joint/ Sub-regional Hydro-electric Project. Joint hydro-electric

project is an opportunity to extend cooperation in regional level, which can
be breakthrough for a win-win water sharing agreement among the
countries. The hydro-electric potential of Nepal, Bhutan and India can be
exploited and produced electricity can be shared among these countries
including Bangladesh through a regional grid. Since this initiative include
upper and lower riparian counties, an avenue is there to reach equitable
water sharing of trans-boundary rivers among the countries.

Water as Diplomatic and Economic Tool for Forging Ahead Bilateral

Relation

4. Twenty first century will mark the importance of fresh water as precious as
fossil fuel. However, the synonymy of water as of life is augmented in this
century as water being a diplomatic and economic tool. It is not overstatement
that, countries may embark into a war upon water dispute. Therefore, potential of
water as diplomatic and economic tool for forging ahead or severing relation is
hard truth in present context.

5. In context of Bangladesh and India, the above proposition holds good.

Both the countries depend on water for agriculture and economic activities.
Significant amount of population of both the countries have a revered and close
tie with rivers. Therefore, a well-accepted water sharing agreement can be
popularly applauded and significantly forging ahead bilateral ties between
Bangladesh and India. Water can bridge the gap in economic sphere too,
through fostering mutual confidence building and creating an environment for
investment in industrial sectors. However, to reap the fruit of this benefit, it is
also needed to avoid parochialism and avoid politicizing water sharing issue for
mere political gain.
 CHAPTER V- CONCLUSION

“Unless both sides win, no agreement can be permanent.”31

- Jimmy Carter

(Former President of United States)

1. Neighbors are the first to respond be when in need of. However, with
depleted resource and growing population, the need for resources incites
competition between countries. Therefore, relations between the neighbours are
dented in absence of amicable resolution of resource sharing. Bangladesh and
India share a common heritage. India being a trusted friend of Bangladesh sine
her independence and Bangladesh in debt to India for her support in Liberation
War of 1971. However, with some upheaval in the recent past, the relation
between the countries reached a new height view resolving long awaited issues
like Land Boundary Agreement (2016) and Connectivity rejuvenation.
Nevertheless, as a close neighbor, there still exist major irritants, which
entangled relations between the counties. Being a riverine and situated in a
delta, Bangladesh is heavily dependent on her rivers. Among those 57 are trans-
boundary rivers and 54 of those are trans-boundary rivers between India and
Bangladesh. Therefore, it is imperative to resolve water sharing of these rivers
for a sustainable and trusted relation between the countries.

2. With raising demand for depleted water resource, water has every
potential to incite conflict. Such proposition hold valid for India and Bangladesh
too. The growing need of water to meet agricultural, industrial and environmental
substance would be major challenge in coming days. The per capita water
consummation is also in rise in both the countries. Therefore, it is high time to
resolve water sharing issue between the countries in an amicable manner. The
solution lies within as there are also instances of long lasting water sharing

31
Quotes. Ap online Nov 2017. http://www.doonething.org/heroes/carter.htm.(accessed on 10
Nov 2017)
 36

agreement between the countries since 1996. To realize this, it is needed to

think for a cooperative initiative involving Nepal, Bhutan and China in addition to
bi-lateral initiative. Moreover, politicization of water sharing issue should be
avoided and people awareness should be increased with respect to efficient
water use and reality of depleted surface-river borne water. Both the countries
should also emphasize scientific use of water, efficient water management, and
recycling of water to lessen burden on the river water. Thus, successful
resolution of water sharing between India and Bangladesh would pave the way
for a more durable and reliable neighborhood and ensure prosperity through
increased engagement in other economic fronts.
 CHAPTER VI- RECOMMENDTIONS

A pessimist sees difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees opportunity in

every difficulty.32

- Winston Churchill

(Former Prime Minister of United Kingdom)

1. The relation between the countries is driven by national interest of

respective country. Therefore, in international relations, determining perpetual
friend or enemy for a particular country is a difficult proposition. Countries align
with other countries on issue basis, and this alignment suffices only if there is
mutual interest. In specific, India-Bangladesh relation is at the apex at present
considering recent resolution of several long awaiting issues. Therefore, it is high
time to take measures for resolution of remaining irritants of bi-lateral relations.
It is evident that such close tie is beneficial for both the countries. Among the
remaining unresolved agendas, water sharing should get primacy. In light of the
discussion preceding, the following measures can be pursued for better relations
between the countries:-

Brahmaputra Water Sharing

2. Need for the Three Countries to Work Together. To reach a

sustainable agreement three countries (China, India and Bangladesh) need to
work together bilaterally and multilaterally. A joint working group may be formed
for reaching an agreement. Moreover, following measures may be pursued by
respective countries for a viable agreement:-

32
―Conflict quotes.‖ Ap online Nov 2017. https://lenski.com/conflict-resolution-quotations/.
(accessed on 11 Nov 2017)
 38

(a) Domestic level.

(i) China should provide access to information regarding its

dam-construction plans on the Brahmaputra.

(ii) India should continue efforts to help hydrological data-

sharing between the centre and the northeastern states in India,
improve dialogue with the northeastern government on its plan to
construct major dams in the region and cooperate more on the
ecosystem management and ecological protection initiatives.

(iii) Bangladesh needs to include more stakeholders in its

national water management policies for the Brahmaputra basin and
take help from the international community to conduct evidence-
based assessment of human-security impacts in the basin.

(b) Bilateral/Multilateral Level.

(i) China should consider hydropower as a potential area of

cooperation with India and explore ways to share hydrological data
and expand humanitarian and ecological cooperation over the
Brahmaputra with India.

(ii) India should clarify its plans regarding the construction of

dams on the Brahmaputra river and its tributaries.

(iii) Bangladesh should seek rainfall and water flow data from
China and India year round and request site visits to the dams and
barrages in both the riparian.

3. Teesta Water Sharing. The following measures may be pursued for

resolution of Teesta water sharing by India and Bangladesh:-
 39

(a) India should expedite Teesta river agreement with Bangladesh by

working closely with the West Bengal government.

4. Basin-wide recommendations.

(a) China should start a dialogue with India and Bangladesh to discuss
shared water challenges.

(b) India should include elements of ecosystem management and

ecological protection in its discussion with China and Bangladesh.

(c) Consider how existing basin-wide mechanisms such as BCIM

grouping (linkages between China, Bangladesh, India and Myanmar can
help in research and action on preserving and monitoring the Himalayan
glaciers as a part of the region‘s common heritage.

(d) Bangladesh should initiate dialogue and discussion with India and
China to address specific aspects of pollution, erosion, sedimentation,
flood prevention and forecasting and basin-wide management.

5. Water Sharing of the Boundary Rivers. Water sharing of 10 more

trans-boundary rivers between India and Bangladesh may be initiated. JRC
should be tasked to sit for finding a workable plan to reach an agreement at the
earliest.

6. Road Towards Self-reliance in Water Management. It is evident

that gap between demand and supply of surface water (from river) will rise in
days to come. Therefore, water domestic management should be prioritized to
lessen burden on river water by respective countries. In addition, scientific and
efficient system of irrigation and water recycling initiatives may be encouraged
by governments.