28-August-2024-Special-Article

TRANSBOUNDARY RIVERS BETWEEN INDIA AND NEIGHBORING COUNTRIES

India shares numerous rivers with its neighbouring countries, making water management and distribution an essential aspect of bilateral relations. These transboundary rivers not only support agriculture and industry but are also vital for energy production and drinking water supply.

Many agreements and treaties have been established to govern the distribution of river waters, but disputes over water sharing continue to be a source of tension in South Asia.

Rivers Between India and Bangladesh

India-Bangladesh River Sharing:

• India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, many of which flow into Bangladesh before entering the Bay of Bengal.

 

• Major rivers shared:

• Ganges (Padma in Bangladesh): The Ganges is a critical water source for both India and Bangladesh, supporting agriculture, industries, and population centers along its course.
• Ghaghara River: Originates from the Tibetan Plateau and joins the Ganges near Patna. Known for its high water flow, particularly during the monsoon season.
• Son River: It runs through the Kaimur Range and joins the Ganges at Patna.
• Teesta River: Originates in the Himalayas, passing through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. Disputes over Teesta’s water-sharing are ongoing, with Bangladesh seeking an agreement similar to the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty.

1996 Ganges Water Treaty:

• This treaty was signed to regulate water-sharing between India and Bangladesh after the construction of the Farakka Barrage in 1975, which diverted Ganges water to the Hooghly River.

Feni River:

• It flows south of Tripura and forms part of the India-Bangladesh border.
• Maitri Setu: A 1.9 km bridge over the Feni River, linking India and Bangladesh to boost trade and connectivity.

Kushiyara River:

• A distributary of the Barak River, it originates at the Amlshid bifurcation point on the India-Bangladesh border.
• It flows through Assam and gathers tributaries from Nagaland and Manipur before entering Bangladesh.

Brahmaputra (Jamuna in Bangladesh):

• Originating in Tibet, the Brahmaputra flows through India and Bangladesh before joining the Ganges (Padma) to form the Meghna River, which flows into the Bay of Bengal.
• Major tributaries: Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, Dhansiri in India, and Teesta in Bangladesh.

Meghna River:

• Formed when the Barak River divides into two streams (Surma and Kushiyara) in Assam. These rejoin in Bangladesh to form the Meghna.
• After meeting the Ganges (Padma) at Chandpur, the Meghna flows into the Bay of Bengal.

Rivers Between India and China

Brahmaputra River System:

• Known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the Brahmaputra flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India before entering Bangladesh as the Jamuna.
• Tributaries in India: The Siang River (the main channel), Subansiri, and Lohit.

Indus River System:

• Originating in Tibet, the Indus River flows through India and Pakistan.
• Sutlej River: A key tributary of the Indus, it originates from Lake Rakas in Tibet, passes through Himachal Pradesh, and enters Pakistan.

Rivers Between India and Pakistan

Indus River:

• Originating in Tibet, the Indus flows through India and Pakistan, playing a crucial role in the water supply of both nations.
• The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) governs the distribution of water between India and Pakistan, with India controlling the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej) and Pakistan controlling the western rivers (Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab).

Sutlej River:

• Originating from Lake Rakas in Tibet, the Sutlej flows into India through Himachal Pradesh before entering Pakistan.
• It eventually merges with the Chenab River in Pakistan.

Chenab River:

• Formed by the confluence of the Chandra and Bhaga rivers in Himachal Pradesh.
• It flows through Jammu and Kashmir into Pakistan, where it merges with the Jhelum River.

Jhelum River:

• It originates in Kashmir and flows through Srinagar before entering Pakistan.

Ravi River:

• It originates in Himachal Pradesh and flows into Punjab.
• Major tributaries: Budhil, Siul, Baljeri, and Chatrari.

Rivers Between India and Nepal

Kosi River:

• The Kosi, formed by the confluence of the Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi, and Tamur Kosi, is one of the largest transboundary rivers between Nepal and India.
• Known for its frequent flooding and course changes, the Kosi is often called the “Sorrow of Bihar.”

Gandak River:

• Also known as Narayani, it originates in Tibet and flows through Nepal and India before joining the Ganges near Patna.
• Major tributaries: Mayangadi, Trisuli, Panchand, Sarhad, and Budhi Gandak.

Sharda/Kali/Mahakali River:

• Originating in Kalapani, Uttarakhand, it flows along the western border of India and Nepal.
• The proposed Pancheshwar Dam is a joint hydroelectric project between India and Nepal.

Disputes Over Boundaries:

• India and Nepal have disagreements regarding the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, which defined the boundary along the Mahakali River. Both countries claim different sources of the river as its origin.

Gumti River and Dumbur Dam in Tripura

Gumti River:

• Also known as Gomati, it originates in Tripura, India, and flows into the Comilla district in Bangladesh.
• Tributaries: The right bank tributaries include Kanchi Gang, Pitra Gang, and Surma Chhara, while the left bank tributaries are Ek Chhari, Maharani Chhara, and Ganga.

Dumbur Dam:

• Built on the Gumti River in Tripura, the Dumbur Dam stands 30 meters tall and generates hydropower for the region.
• Bangladesh receives 40 MW of electricity from Tripura, supplied by the power generated from the dam.

Dumboor Lake:

• Formed by the confluence of the Raima and Sarma rivers near the Dumbur Dam, Dumboor Lake is a well-known fishing area.
• The lake hosts the annual Poush Sankranti Mela in January, which attracts visitors from across the region.

Conclusion

India’s transboundary rivers are critical for the country’s relations with its neighbors. Proper management and fair distribution of water resources, as exemplified by agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty and the Ganges Water Treaty, are essential for maintaining peace and cooperation. However, ongoing disputes, such as those over the Teesta River with Bangladesh and the Mahakali River with Nepal, highlight the need for continued diplomatic efforts to resolve water-sharing issues.

Mains Question:

1. “Discuss the significance of the Indus Waters Treaty and the Ganges Water Treaty in managing transboundary river disputes between India and its neighbours. How do these agreements address water-sharing challenges?” (150 WORDS)