The MEA clarified that the flooding in Bangladesh is not caused by the release of waters from the Indian dam station on the Gumti River, which flows through both Tripura and Bangladesh.
Amidst rising accusations from protesters in Bangladesh that India is responsible for the severe flooding affecting eight districts in the country, the Ministry of External Affairs has issued a statement denying any involvement.
The floods have caused significant damage and destruction, prompting widespread concern and international attention.
In the middle of this turmoil, students from Jagannath University (JnU) staged a protest march on Wednesday, blaming India for the recent floods. The protesters alleged that the flooding was triggered when India opened the sluice gates of the Dumboor and Gazaldoba dams without notifying Dhaka.
In response to the allegations, the Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the flood situation in neighbouring country is not a result of water being released from the Indian dam station on the Gumti River, which flows through both Tripura and Bangladesh.
“We have seen concerns being expressed in Bangladesh that the current situation of flood in districts on the eastern borders of Bangladesh has been caused by the opening of the Dumbur dam upstream of the Gumti River in Tripura. This is factually not correct,” the MEA said in a statement on Thursday.
MEA outlines the reasons behind these recent floods
In the statement, the ministry highlighted that just in a few days the catchment areas of the Gumti River that flow through India and Bangladesh have seen the heaviest rainfall this year. “The flood in Bangladesh is primarily due to waters from these large catchments downstream of the dam, ” the statement read.
“The Dumbur dam is located quite far from the border – over 120 Km upstream of Bangladesh. It is a low-height (about 30m) dam that generates power that feeds into a grid from which Bangladesh also draws 40MW power from Tripura,” the ministry explained.
“Along the about 120 Km river course we have three water level observation sites at Amarpur, Sonamura and Sonamura 2,” the ministry further noted that rainfall has persisted in Tripura and the adjoining districts of Bangladesh since August 21.
The MEA reaffirmed India’s commitment to river water cooperation with Bangladesh, noting, “As two countries sharing 54 common cross-border rivers, river water cooperation is an important part of our bilateral engagement.We remain committed to resolving issues and mutual concerns in water resources and river water management through bilateral consultations and technical discussions.”
According to The Dhakha Tribune, 600 JnU students from Bangladesh participated in the protests calling for a fair share of international waterways.
JnU student Rakib told the news outlet that the opening of the Dumboor and Gazaldoba dams by India has led to flash floods in Bangladesh. “We want a fair share of international river waters. India’s relations with its neighboring countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and the Maldives have deteriorated due to its aggression,” he alleged. However, no Bangladeshi authorities have yet blamed India.
