Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna/Barak Basin
CE 397 – Transboundary Water Resources
21 February 2008
Tyler McEwen
Questions:
•
With the large potential for solutions, why haven’t the riparian countries better
utilized the vast resources?
•
What role, if any, does the Hindu religion play in the international water issue?
Figure 1: Map of GBM basin and riparian countries.
Religious Significance
In Hindu religion, the Ganges River is sacred. Named after the goddess Ganga,
Hindus believe the Ganges water to be pure. Bathing in the water washes away sin and
past misdeeds. The dead are cremated on the banks of the Ganges and the remains are
deposited into the river. The river then guides the soul to paradise. Also, if Ganges water
is drank immediately prior to death, this will guide the soul to paradise. Small amounts
of water from the Ganges are often stored in the residence for good luck. The water does
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not “go bad” and begin to stink, but remains pure. In the event of an impending death
within the residence, this final religious act may be administered.
The Rivers
The GBM basin encompasses approximately 1.7 million km2, including
Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, and Tibetan China.
The headwaters of the Ganges and Brahmaputra originate in the Tibetan China
area of the Himalayan mountain range. The Ganges River flows southwest into India,
turns southeast joining with many major tributaries. After flowing into Bangladesh, the
Ganges joins with the Brahmaputra and Meghna Rivers to flow into the Bay of Bengal as
the Meghna (Padma) River.
With a historical average annual flow rate of 424 BCM, one might assume water
quantity to be a non-issue in the Ganges River basin, however seasonal rains and snow
melt dictate otherwise. The summer wet season, kharif, and winter dry season, rabi,
initiate much of the controversy among neighboring states, India and Bangladesh.
From the headwaters, the Brahmaputra flows east through the southern area of
Tibetan China. The river then flows south into eastern India, turns southwest, then enters
Bangladesh before merging with the Ganges and Maghna Rivers. The average annual
flow rate for the Brahmaputra is approximately 555 BCM, but is also dictated by seasonal
highs and lows.
The tributaries of the Meghna River originate in the mountains of eastern India,
flow southwest and join. The Meghna River is formed at the confluence of the Surma
and Kashiyara Rivers, located within the borders of Bangladesh. The Meghna flows
southwest and joins the Ganges and Brahmaputra before flowing into the Bay of Bengal.
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Figure 2: Ganges River and major tributaries and cities. (Note: The Brahmaputra River is also included in
the map (south and west into Banladesh & east through Tibetan China)
India
Approximately a quarter of India lies within the Ganges river basin and India
represents 62 % of the GBM basin. India holds power within the Ganges and
Brahmaputra River basins due to its important geographic positioning (upstream), large
contribution of flow to the Ganges River and prior use stake hold.
India reduces flow within the Ganges through two water diversions at Haridwar
and Farikkar. The diversion at Haridwar, into the Upper Ganges Canal, was constructed
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for irrigation. The canal was established by the British in 1854. The Farakka barrage is
another major water diversion located immediately upstream of the Bangladesh boundary
and the basis for much of the controversy between India and Bangladesh. The Farakka
barrage was originally conceived by the British imperial government, however not
implemented until after India’s independence from British rule. The Farakka barrage
diverts water from the Ganges River to the Bhagirathi River via the Hugli Canal during
the dry season.
Bangladesh
In 1947, British rule of India and Pakistan ended. Controversial boundaries were
drawn, forming India, Eastern and Western Pakistan. Concerns within Eastern Pakistan
(Bangladesh) centered around freshwater resources for its citizens almost immediately
after its inception. Bangladesh gained independence from Pakistan the same year as the
Farakka barrage was completed. Bangladesh has contended with India since its
independence over the issue of water allocations from the Farakka barrage during the dry
season. Although India holds much of the power in the basin, Bangladesh does hold
some hydropolitical power by controlling the downstream section of the basin.
Other Riparian Nations
The other riparian nations within the GBM basin include China, Bhutan and
Nepal. China has not been a key participant in negotiations of the GBM basin and
therefore does not elect to hold much power in water decisions. However, geographically
China is a headwater nation of the Ganges basin and home to much of the Brahmaputra
River.
Nepal has not been a major participant in the negotiations concerning the Farakka
barrage since they are upstream of India. However, Nepal holds a unique opportunity to
assist India with hydroelectric development.
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Bhutan has not played a major role in any negotiations due to its surplus of
renewable water resources per capita and upstream location.
The Problems
Many social, economic, and environmental/water issues surround the GBM basin.
First, all countries are developing and/or have a large population of citizens living at or
below the poverty level. The riparian countries also have a diverse population with
religious, ethnic and social divisions. Water related issues include floods, poor drainage
due to downstream activity, water availability, water pollution/sedimentation,
introduction of flow regulation structures, and minimum flow requirements downstream.
The Compromises of Farakka
Since the completion of the Farakka barrage, negotiations between India and
Bangladesh are necessary to determine flow regulation. The most recent compromise
concerning flow at the barrage was reached in 1996 during relatively optimal political
conditions. Usually the water sharing agreements have been short term, however the
agreement of 1996 covers 30 years.
Required Reading
Case Study 2: The Ganges Basin, Dinar et al., Bridges Over Water, 248-269.
Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers, McKinney, Transboundary Water Challenges: Case Studies,
88-93.
Additional Reading
Ganges River Controversy, TFDD – Transboundary Freshwater Dispute Database, found at
http://www.transboundarywaters.orst.edu/projects/casestudies/ganges.html
Case Study: Bangladesh Water Resources and Population Pressures in the Ganges River Basin,
Rashid and Kabir, found at http://www.aaas.org/international/ehn/waterpop/bang.htm
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