INDO-BANGLADESH COOPERATION
An Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) is functioning since 1972. It was established with a view to maintain liaison in order to ensure the most effective joint effort in maximizing the benefits from common river systems. The JRC is headed by Water Resources Ministers of both the countries. 38th meeting of the JRC was held at New Delhi from 25th August, 2022, wherein various matters pertaining to cooperation in Water Resources sector with Bangladesh were discussed.
A new chapter in the Indo-Bangladesh relations opened up with signing of a Treaty by the Prime Ministers of India and Bangladesh on 12th December 1996 (Link below) on the sharing of Ganga/Ganges waters. The Treaty shall remain in force for a period of thirty years to be renewable by mutual consent. For monitoring the implementation of the Treaty, a Joint Committee has been set up.
Discussions have been continuing with Bangladesh for sharing of waters of Teesta&Feni rivers besides other six common rivers namely; Manu, Muhri, Khowai, Gumti, Jaldhaka and Torsa. Govt. of India is at its endeavour to conclude the agreement of the sharing of waters of Teesta and Feni rivers with Bangladesh, which is acceptable to all parties concerned and which protects the interests of all stakeholders.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 5th October 2019 between the Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of the Republic of India and Ministry of Water Resources,Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on withdrawal of 1.82 cusecs of water from Feni River by India for drinking water supply scheme for Sabroom town,Tripura, India. Another Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 6th September, 2022 between Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of the Republic of India and Ministry of Water Resources, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh on withdrawal of upto 153 cusecs of water each by India and Bangladesh from the common border river Kushiyara during the dry season for the consumptive water requirements of each country.
There exists a system of Transmission of flood forecasting data on major rivers like Ganga, Teesta, Brahmputra and Barak during the monsoon season from India to Bangladesh. The transmission of flood forecasting information during the monsoon has enabled the civil and military authorities in Bangladesh to shift the population affected by floods to safer places.