The Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, has firmly dismissed reports in Bangladesh that attribute the recent flooding to the opening of the Farakka barrage. Jaiswal clarified that the claims were based on fake videos, rumors, and fear-mongering tactics designed to create misunderstandings.
Jaiswal emphasized that the Indian government routinely shares relevant data with Bangladeshi officials from the Joint River Commission, and this practice was followed during the recent incident. The opening of the Farakka barrage gates allowed the flow of over 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream into the Ganga/Padma river. Jaiswal clarified that this is a normal seasonal occurrence resulting from increased inflow due to heavy rainfall in the Ganga river basin catchment areas upstream.
The spokesperson further explained that the Farakka barrage is merely a structure used to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka canal. It is not a dam and can only restrict water movement up to the pond level. Once the water crosses this level, it naturally passes downstream. Jaiswal stressed that the remaining water flows into the main river, ultimately reaching Bangladesh.
India had previously refuted similar claims, categorizing them as factually incorrect. Earlier reports in Bangladesh had mistakenly attributed the flood situation to the opening of a dam on the Gumti river in Tripura. The Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged that floods in the shared rivers between India and Bangladesh are a shared problem, causing suffering for people on both sides. It emphasized the need for close cooperation to address this issue effectively.
In conclusion, India has unequivocally dismissed allegations linking the Farakka barrage to the flooding in Bangladesh. The country has reiterated its commitment to sharing accurate data with Bangladeshi officials to foster mutual understanding and cooperation. The Indian government has clarified that the Farakka structure is not a dam, but rather a means to manage water flow and divert a specific volume into the Farakka canal. As both nations face the challenge of floods, collaborative efforts remain essential to finding long-term solutions and minimizing the impact on people in the region.
