NEW DELHI: The ministry of external affairs on Monday responded to Bangladesh’s allegations of “non-cooperation” from New Delhi over the opening of gates at the Farakka Barrage, which was done “without any prior warning.”
Refuting the allegations, MEA 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, 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,” he further said.
Earlier, information and broadcasting affairs adviser Md Nahid Islam of Bangladesh’s interim government said India opened a dam without issuing any prior warning and giving Bangladesh scope to prepare.
“India has displayed non-cooperation and an inhuman attitude by opening a dam all of a sudden,” He said.
He added that people of both countries must find a way out jointly to face such natural calamities.
Refuting the allegations, MEA 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, 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,” he further said.
Earlier, information and broadcasting affairs adviser Md Nahid Islam of Bangladesh’s interim government said India opened a dam without issuing any prior warning and giving Bangladesh scope to prepare.
“India has displayed non-cooperation and an inhuman attitude by opening a dam all of a sudden,” He said.
He added that people of both countries must find a way out jointly to face such natural calamities.
Source Agencies
