Contentious Tipaimukh
It is true that without strong and close Indian support Bangladesh could not have attained independence. It is also true that at the initial stage of our independence India helped us rehabilitate and reconstruct our country. Thus the relationship between India and Bangladesh should have been close and cordial based on a clear mutual understanding. Of course when the interest of the states clash the strength of understanding is tested. Building the Tipaimukh dam for production of hydro-electricity, irrigation and to control flood has created an atmosphere of mutual suspicion.
Water dispute has become a very important issue between India and Bangladesh. Since the start of the Farakka barrage to maintain river flow of the Ganges at Kolkata the people of Bangladesh have started losing confidence in India.
The effects of Farakka are distinctly visible in the northern districts of Rajshahi, Pabna and the Sundarbans. Now India is planning to complete the work of the Tipaimukh Dam by 2012 (according to reports) without any consultation (formally or informally) even though there is a joint river commission. It appears that India is not much interested in obtaining consent of the riparian state in the distribution of river waters.
India has invited Bangladesh to send a team to visit Tipaimukh so that Bangladesh can have a clear idea about the Indian objectives and its possible effects on Bangladesh. The government is taking necessary preparations for sending a team consisting of all-party members of parliament, assisted and advised by Bangladesh experts. On receipt of report from the team the government may take further action.
India has been involved in building the dam for the last 54 years (1955-09). The location of the dam was selected thrice and rejected three times between 1955 and 1980. At last the site was fixed at Tipaimukh. Feasibility report was completed in 1985. An agreement was singed between the union government and the state government of Manipur on 09/01/03. Ever since then the work has been going on.
As per our experts there may be many adverse effects on the economy and environment of Bangladesh. They are -- (a) reduction of river flow of Surma, Kushiara and Meghna basin, (b) as per a research report of UNDP (2005) river flow will be reduced by 10% in June, 23% in July, 16% in August and 15% in September and flood plains to be reduced by 26% in Sylhet area, (c) arable land of Surma, Kushiara and Meghna basin will lose its fertility and districts to be affected are Sylhet, Moulvibazar, Hobigonj, Sunamgonj, Brahmanbaria, Kishoregonj and Netrakona, (d) increase of salinity in the Meghna basin, and (e) increasing possibility of earthquakes in the affected area because the dam is situated in a quake-prone area.
Negotiation on water management is not an extremely difficult job. There are examples of more than 200 successful water management negotiations. Bangladesh may take ample lessons from these negotiations. The best option for Bangladesh appears to be diplomatic efforts to negotiate with India at the foreign minister or prime minister level. Other options may only be considered if this does not work.
In any discussion of water management we recollect the Farakka barrage issue at the initial stage of our independence. We failed to handle the issue properly because of our lack of preparation and the result is a desert-like weather condition in Rajshahi and Pabna. At that time the people's life and living were not taken into consideration. This time the situation is different. Now we cannot accept any proposals that are not acceptable to everyone.
It has been learnt that the new government has accepted the invitation of India to visit Tipaimukh. It is taking the necessary action. Meanwhile, the government of India has provided requisite data to Bangladesh for examination and analysis.
As neighbours we must appreciate the problems and difficulties of each other. But we should take positive attitude without sacrificing our interest.
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