Context
The Kushiyara River, along the India–Bangladesh border near Sribhumi (Assam), recently witnessed Durga idol immersion by devotees from both countries on Vijayadashami.
About the Kushiyara River
- Geographic Nature: A transboundary river shared by India (Assam) and Bangladesh (Sylhet Division).
- Origin Point: Formed at the Amalshid bifurcation point (India–Bangladesh border) where the Barak River splits into two distributaries: the Kushiyara River and the Surma River.
- Course & Drainage:
- Functions as a distributary of the Barak River, flowing westward along the Assam (India)–Sylhet (Bangladesh) border.
- Flows past Karimganj (Assam) and Zakiganj (Bangladesh), enters Beanibazar Upazila, and runs southwestward before joining the Meghna River System.
- Length: Approximately 160 km.
- Major Tributaries: Juri River (east), Manu (Monu) River (south), and Itakhola River.
India–Bangladesh Kushiyara Water-Sharing Agreement (2022)
- Landmark Bilateral Pact: Signed on September 6, 2022 via MoU; the first water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh since the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.
- Water Allocation: Both countries can withdraw up to 153 cusecs each during the dry season, from 1 November to 31 May, for their consumptive water requirements.
- Agrarian Objective: Provides crucial irrigation to Sylhet district (Bangladesh), specifically supporting dry-season Boro rice cultivation and local aquaculture.
- Diversion Infrastructure: Water is channeled via the Rahimpur Canal project (intake channel and pump house in Bangladesh).
- Institutional Governance: Administered under the JRC (Joint Rivers Commission) framework, which establishes a Joint Monitoring Team to oversee and verify seasonal water withdrawals.
- State Clearance Contrast: Unlike the stalled Teesta agreement (delayed by West Bengal state objections), this MoU required no separate clearance from the Assam government.
FAQs
Q1. Which countries share the Kushiyara River?
Ans. India and Bangladesh.
Q2. From which river does the Kushiyara originate?
Ans. The Barak River, which bifurcates near Amlshid.
Q3. Which major river system does the Kushiyara belong to?
Ans. The Surma–Meghna river system.
