Department of Geography and Environment

Jagannath University
Welcome to our presentation
GEO-4103 Political Geography

Presented To: Presented By:

Dr. Hasina Akther Group I
Associate Professor Batch 15
Department of Geography and Environment

Jagannath University
Trans-boundary Water Resources
in Bangladesh
Introduction
Trans-boundary rivers is a river that
crosses at least one political border
within a nation or an international
boundary.
Bangladesh is highly dependent on
trans-boundary water resources due to
its geographical location. With
numerous rivers flowing through
neighboring countries, managing water
resources effectively is crucial for
Bangladesh's development.
The Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna
rivers form one of the most extensive
river systems in the world, known as the
GBM river system. This system plays a
vital role in Bangladesh's water security,
economy, and ecosystem.
There are more than 400 rivers in
Bangladesh. Out of 400 rivers, 57 are
transboundary. 54 enter from India and
3 from Myanmar.
 Ganges River originates from Gangotri
the Gangotri Glacier in the Glacier
Indian state of Uttarakhand in region
the Himalayas.
 The Ganges flows through the
states of Uttarakhand, Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, and
West Bengal in India before
finally emptying into the Bay of
Bengal.
 The Ganges River, known as
the Padma in Bangladesh, it
crosses the international border
between India and Bangladesh
near the town of Shibganj in
the Chapai Nawabganj district
of Bangladesh
 It plays a significant role in
Bangladesh's economy and
livelihoods, supporting
agriculture, industry, and
commerce.
 The Brahmaputra River
originates in southwestern
Tibet, where it is known as
the Yarlung Tsangpo River.
 Bangladesh after flowing
through the northeastern
Indian state of Assam.
 In Bangladesh, the river is
known as the Jamuna River.
Brahmaputra enters
Bangladesh near the town of
Bahadurabad in the
Kurigram District.
 The Meghna River originates from the
confluence of the Sita and Meghna rivers.
The Sita River originates from the hilly
region of Tripura in India, while the Meghna
River begins in the Barak River, which itself
originates from the Manipur Hills in India.
The confluence of these two rivers forms the
Meghna River in Bangladesh.

 The Meghna River enters Bangladesh from

India near the town of Bhairab Bazar in
the Kishoreganj district.

 It is a vital resource for Bangladesh, serving

multiple purposes such as irrigation for
agriculture, transportation, fishing, and as a
source of water for domestic and industrial
use. The river also plays a crucial role in the
ecosystem, supporting diverse flora and
fauna.
Maximum, average and minimum discharge of
three main rivers
 Agricultural Sustainability:

Irrigation for agriculture, which forms the backbone of

Bangladesh's economy, heavily relies on trans-boundary
rivers.
Importance Crop cultivation and livelihoods of millions of farmers are
of Trans- directly linked to water from these rivers.

boundary Energy Production:

Water
Resources Hydroelectric potential from shared rivers can offer
renewable energy sources, aiding in sustainable
development.
However, issues arise concerning equitable sharing and
management of water resources for energy generation.
Importance Ecosystem Health:
of Trans-
The health of river ecosystems impacts biodiversity, fisheries,
boundary and overall environmental balance.
Water Pollution and overuse pose significant threats to these
ecosystems, necessitating collaborative management efforts
Resources
  Water Sharing: Bangladesh often faces disputes over water
sharing with its upstream neighbors, primarily India. The
construction of dams and diversion of rivers upstream can
Challenges significantly affect the flow of water into Bangladesh,
and impacting agriculture, fisheries, and overall water availability.
opportunities
for
Bangladesh  Flood Management: The annual monsoon floods in
Bangladesh are exacerbated by upstream water management
practices in neighboring countries. Coordination and
cooperation with upstream countries are essential for effective
flood management strategies.
  Hydropower Potential: Trans-boundary rivers offer
opportunities for hydropower generation. Collaborative
projects with neighboring countries could harness the
Challenges hydropower potential of these rivers for sustainable energy
and development, benefiting both Bangladesh and its neighbors.
opportunities
for
Bangladesh  Environmental Concerns: Changes in water flow due to
upstream interventions can have significant environmental
impacts, including loss of biodiversity, erosion, and salinity
intrusion. Collaborative efforts are needed to mitigate these
environmental concerns and ensure the sustainable
management of trans-boundary water resources.
  Navigation and Trade: Many of Bangladesh's rivers serve as
important trade routes and transportation corridors. Ensuring
uninterrupted navigation requires coordination with upstream
Challenges countries to maintain water flow and prevent blockages.
and
opportunities
for  International Treaties and Agreements: Bangladesh has
Bangladesh entered into various treaties and agreements with neighboring
countries, such as the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty with India.
These agreements provide frameworks for cooperation and
dispute resolution regarding trans-boundary water resources.
 Cooperation
• Enter into treaties, memorandum of understanding among/between
countries on use of water of common rivers [(Ganges water sharing,
Teesta Water Sharing (in Process) ]
• Sharing of hydrological data of the GBM basin to facilitate more
reliable early warning system.
• Invest in erection of dams and creation of reservoirs in the upstream
mountainous areas to regulate flow for use in all seasons of the year
and harness hydropower.
• Establishment of a body (commission/authority) for the management
of common rivers.
 Conclusion
• Trans-boundary water resources pose both challenges and
opportunities for Bangladesh. By promoting dialogue, cooperation,
and sustainable practices, Bangladesh can effectively manage its
water resources for the benefit of all stakeholders.