The water challenges we face in Bangladesh are not just demanding; they are urgent and require immediate attention. We experience severe water scarcity during the hot season, while the monsoon brings excessive water, leading to devastating floods. Climate change worsens these problems, making us one of the most affected nations. The lack of cooperation from our neighbouring country, India, further complicates the situation. If the current trajectory continues, our country will struggle to withstand the onslaught of floods and droughts.
The average annual drought loss from natural calamities is Tk 2734 crore (Kale Kanth, November 16, 2022), while the yearly average flood loss amounts to Tk 30,000 crore (Jago News 24, June 28, 2022). Climate change significantly contributes to the damming of 53 of India’s 54 rivers and these losses. River researchers report a reduction in the number of rivers in Bangladesh from 750 in the sixties to only 230, with 520 rivers disappearing over the past 50 years (Bengali Tribune, September 25, 2016). The construction of 4300 dams in the river basins in 22 of the 29 states of India has contributed to the disappearance of rivers and increased salinity. The number of planned dams in GBM basin countries is 414, with 285 in Nepal, 108 in India, 12 in Bhutan, eight in China, and one in Bangladesh (BonikBarta, April 29, 2023). Additionally, China plans to divert 20,000 billion cubic feet of water annually from YarlungSangpo, the Chinese part of the Brahmaputra River, to the Yellow River. In contrast, India plans to link the river (The Hindu, September 08, 2018).
How can we address the urgent water management challenges we’re facing? We believe directing our attention to three main areas-international cooperation, the crucial role of technology implementation, and capacity building-can be the key to creating impactful solutions. If executed efficiently, these measures can enhance and truly revolutionise our approach to water management and offer a promising outlook for the future.
International Cooperation
1) Implementation of international law on rivers: The Vienna Convention of 1815 on the use of international rivers, the law established by the Daripur River Commission in 1921, Articles 4 and 5 of the Helsinki Principles of the International Law Society in 1966 regarding the use of international river water, General Assembly resolution in 1973 (UN. Doc. A/ 8730.1973) stipulating that no State shall take actions that have significant adverse effects on an area outside its jurisdiction, the principles adopted by the United Nations Conference on the Human Environment held in Stockholm in 1972, which state that the activities of one State may endanger the environment of another State. Additionally, Principle 2 of the Darlin Principles of 1992 reaffirms that the interests of the downstream country are safeguarded in every case. The Convention on International Watercourses, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 1997, has become an established law. Astonishingly, Bangladesh has not yet signed this UN Convention, which should be promptly addressed. India has violated numerous international laws about us by constructing dams without permission, withholding our fair share of water and the revenue from these dams, and releasing water without notice, causing damages and environmental harm. We reserve the right to pursue legal action in international court if a fair share is not granted.
2) Fulfilling the responsibility of the Joint River Commission: The Joint River Commission, established in 1972, has failed to meet its obligations. Although the Ganga agreement has been signed, it lacks a guarantee clause. Consequently, India cannot compensate for the shortfall even if less water is supplied. There are more complaints on paper than actual action when water shortages occur. To illustrate the required amount, let’s say that if our Kaptai power plant runs at total capacity, it needs 35000 cusecs of water to generate only 230 megawatts. Therefore, the commission must be reconstituted with experts, including an engineer who understands dam technology. The agreement between India and Pakistan on the Indus River has been upheld for 65 years. This issue is not unique to us.
Engineering Capacity:Two projects are ready to address the country’s river problem, while another project needs rescuing. Aside from all our major projects, we also need to focus on the following projects:
1) Ganga Barrage: This project was inaugurated in 1980 but was cancelled by Bangladesh in 2017 due to Indian obstruction. The proposed project site is in Habaspur, Rajbari, and Lalkhan,Sujapur. The $4 billion project will create a 165-km-long reservoir through the proposed Ganges barrage, capturing 2.9 billion cubic meters of water. The construction is expected to take seven years. The survey and detailed design of the project commenced in 2009 and concluded in 2014 (BanglaNews 24, July 1, 2018). It is estimated that the project will generate 113 MW of hydropower. The water retained through this barrage will be supplied to the channel and used for irrigation in 26 districts and 165 upazilas, benefitting 37% of the country’s population. According to researchers, the invested money will be recovered within seven years after the project’s launch. The project’s main components include a 2,100 m long main barrage, 78 spillways, one navigation lock, two fish passes and other facilities.
3)River and Canal Reclamation: Efforts are needed to rescue 520 lost rivers. Unfortunately, much of the dredging funds were misused by the previous government. There have been instances of dredging in one area and dumping the sand into another river. It is crucial to restore all rivers to their navigable state. Information about the number of canals in the country is limited; however, more than 1500 canals were dug from 1979 to May 1981, totalling about 26,000 kilometres.( Prothom-Alo, May 30, 2023) The commercialisation of canals, similar to the model in Venice, should be considered. There are efforts to save 26 out of 76 canals in Dhaka.(Jay Jae Din, January 10, 2021) Rescuing and dredging all canals is essential, and using voluntary labour or other means should be considered. This approach will help reduce waterlogging, and if affordable rubber dams are provided, it will ensure water availability even in the dry season. Furthermore, increasing water holding capacity will enhance agricultural yield and reduce the country’s temperature. Creating walking spaces on both sides of the roads, planting trees, and promoting fish farming can provide various additional benefits.
Considering the success of these projects, similar initiatives can be undertaken at Tipaimukhi in Sylhet and the Gomti River in Comilla.
Internal Capacity Building: Mostafa Kamal Palash, a researcher based in Canada, expressed concern about this year’s Feni weather forecast. The meteorological office of about 1200 people failed immensely in their predictions. Our River Research Institute and the Water Development Board and their monitoring have also fallen short in their responsibilities. Those involved in corruption, such as engaging in illegal dredging of our rivers and encroachment on canals, must be held accountable and duly punished. Complete dredging of all rivers should be ensured, and canals should be restored by establishing new government offices. We must hold our public servants responsible for their failures and act appropriately against them.
Another crucial aspect is to include rescue training in our school and college curriculums for floods and other disasters. Our fire service needs to be more efficient and adequately staffed.
Bangladesh has the potential to address all the issues mentioned above. With government commitment, resolving all problems related to our rivers and water within the next five years is achievable. Our country has a skilled workforce capable of undertaking this work, and the required resources are not beyond our means. What is crucial is the presence of goodwill.