Tripura dam didn’t cause Bangladesh floods: India

Recently, severe flooding in Bangladesh has raised concerns about whether water from the Dambur Dam in Tripura, India, might be contributing to the problem. However, the Indian government has clarified that the flooding is due to heavy rainfall in the larger catchment areas of the Gumti River, which flows through both India and Bangladesh, rather than from the dam’s water release.

Gumti River and Dambur Dam

1. Gumti River
   1. Overview: Also known as Gomti, Gumati, or Gomati, the Gumti River originates in Tripura, India, and flows through the Comilla district in Bangladesh.
   2. Tributaries:
      • Right Bank: Kanchi Gang, Pitra Gang, San Gang, Mailak Chhara, and Surma Chhara.
      • Left Bank: Ek Chhari, Maharani Chhara, and Ganga.
2. Dambur Dam
   1. Location: Built on the Gumti River in Tripura.
   2. Specifications: Stands 30 meters high and contributes to power generation, with 40 megawatts of electricity supplied to Bangladesh.
   3. Purpose: Besides generating electricity, it supports local water needs and contributes to regional infrastructure.
3. Dumboor Lake
   1. Location: Situated in Gandacherra, near Agartala, Tripura.
   2. Formation: Created by the confluence of the Raima and Sarma rivers.
   3. Significance: Known for its diverse fish species and the annual 'Poush Sankranti Mela' celebrated on January 14th.

Transboundary Rivers of India with Neighboring Countries

1. India-Bangladesh

   1. Shared Rivers: India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers. Key rivers include:

River	Key Details
Ganges (Padma in Bangladesh)	Flows from India into Bangladesh, traversing the Gangetic plain. Left Bank: Gomti, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi. Right Bank: Yamuna, Son, Punpun, Damodar. Significant hydrological and economic role; Ganga Water Treaty of 1996.
Teesta	Originates in the Himalayas, flows through Sikkim and West Bengal, merges with Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers. Bangladesh seeks equitable water sharing similar to the Ganges Water Treaty.
Feni	Flows south of Agartala, Tripura. Catchment Area: 535 square km in India, the rest in Bangladesh. Maitri Setu bridge connects India and Bangladesh over the Feni River.
Kushiyara	Distributary of the Barak River, beginning at Amlshid bifurcation on the India-Bangladesh border. Originates in Assam with tributaries from Nagaland and Manipur.
Brahmaputra (Jamuna in Bangladesh)	Originates as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, flows through Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya in India, then through Bangladesh. Tributaries: Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, Dhansiri in India; Teesta in Bangladesh. Confluence with Ganges forms Padma River, merging with Meghna to flow into the Bay of Bengal.
Meghna	Formed by the confluence of Surma and Kushiyara rivers in Bangladesh. Known as Upper Meghna up to Chandpur, Lower Meghna thereafter.

4. India-China

4. 1. Brahmaputra River System
      1. Path: Includes the Siang (Brahmaputra's main stream), originating in Tibet and flowing through Arunachal Pradesh.
      2. Tributaries: Subansiri and Lohit rivers.
   2. Indus River System
      1. Path: Includes the Indus and its tributaries like the Sutlej.
      2. Treaties: Two MoUs between India and China for sharing hydrological data on these rivers.

5. India-Pakistan

   1. Indus River
      1. Path: Originates in Tibet, flows through Kashmir, and continues south to the Arabian Sea.
      2. Controversy: Water-sharing issues have been significant since independence.
   2. Sutlej
      1. Path: Originates in Tibet, flows through Himachal Pradesh and Punjab, joining the Beas before merging with the Chenab to form the Panjnad River.
   3. Chenab
      1. Path: Originates in Himachal Pradesh, flows through Jammu and Kashmir, and into Pakistan.
      2. Confluence: Joins the Jhelum near Trimmu.
   4. Jhelum
      1. Path: Originates in Kashmir, flows through Jammu and Kashmir, and into Pakistan.
   5. Beas
      1. Path: Originates in Himachal Pradesh, flows through Punjab, and joins the Sutlej River.
   6. Ravi
      1. Path: Originates in Himachal Pradesh, flows through Punjab, and joins the Chenab River.
      2. Treaty: The 1960 Indus Waters Treaty allocates control of the Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej rivers to India, and the Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum rivers to Pakistan.

6. India-Nepal

   1. Kosi
      1. Path: A major tributary of the Ganges, originating in the Himalayas, flows through Nepal and Bihar.
      2. Characteristics: Known for its frequent course changes and flooding, earning the nickname "sorrow of Bihar."
   2. Gandak
      1. Path: Originates in Tibet, flows through Nepal and Bihar before merging with the Ganges.
      2. Tributaries: Includes Mayangadi, Bari, Trisuli, Panchand, Sarhad, and Budhi Gandak.
   3. Sharda/Kali/Mahakali River
      1. Path: Originates at Kalapani in Uttarakhand, flows along the India-Nepal border, and merges with the Ghaghra River.
      2. Project: The Pancheshwar Dam is a joint India-Nepal project for irrigation and hydroelectric power.
   4. Dispute: India and Nepal have historical disagreements over the interpretation of the Sugauli Treaty 1816, which affects the boundary along the Mahakali River.

Conclusion

Transboundary rivers are crucial for the economies and ecosystems of multiple countries, including India and its neighbors. These rivers facilitate vital water resources but also present complex challenges related to water sharing and management. India’s agreements with neighboring countries, such as the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan and the Ganges Water Treaty with Bangladesh, aim to address these issues. Despite the progress, ongoing disputes and environmental concerns require continued cooperation and effective management to ensure sustainable use and equitable distribution of these essential water resources.

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