New Delhi: India on Monday refuted Bangladesh’s allegations about “non-cooperation” over the opening of gates at the Farakka Barrage and that it was done “without any prior warning”, saying information was shared with the concerned authorities in the neighbouring country and reports circulating suggesting otherwise are “fake and rumours”.
Responding to media queries regarding the Farakka barrage, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have seen media reports of the opening of Farraka barrage gates that will allow the flow of over 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream of the river in its natural course into the Ganga/Padma river. This is a normal seasonal development that takes place due to increased inflow from heavy rainfall in the Ganga River basin catchment areas upstream”.
“It is to be understood that Farraka is only a barrage and not a dam. Whenever the water level reaches the pond level, whatever inflow comes that passes. It is merely a structure to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farraka canal that is carefully done using a system of gates on the main Ganga/Padma river, while the balance water flows into the main river to Bangladesh,” he added.
“Data, as per protocol, is shared with the concerned Joint River Commission officials in Bangladesh on a regular and timely basis. It has been done this time as well. We have seen fake videos, rumours and fear-mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts,” Jaiswal said.
What was Bangladesh’s claim on Farakka barrage?
Md Nahid Islam, the adviser for information and broadcasting affairs in Bangladesh’s interim government, criticized India for opening a dam without prior warning, leaving Bangladesh unprepared. “India has shown a lack of cooperation and an inhuman attitude by suddenly opening the dam,” he stated. He emphasised that the people of both countries must work together to find solutions to face such natural calamities.