Conflict Management for The Farakka Barrage

The Ganges River is the most important source for water resources for both Bangladesh & India and resulting in many conflicts arising between these two countries. Farakka Barrage is a low height dam constructed mainly to divert water back into the Hoogly-Bhagirathi channel. The first water sharing agreement regarding Farakka was signed between India & Bangladesh on 5/11/1977 for the duration of 5 years. After 14 years an agreement between Bangladesh & India on Sharing the Ganges water Ganges Water Sharing Treaty signed on 12 December 1996. Water is a source of conflict mistrusts and disputes between the three riparian states of Ganges basin Indian diversions of Ganges water through Farakka barrage is a long-term source of tremendous political tensions mistrust and non- cooperation between India and Bangladesh. Flooding in monsoon and reduction of flow on dry season causes tremendous socio-economic & environmental loss for Bangladesh like agriculture fishery navigation industry & vegetation. It has severely affected the downstream river regime of the Ganges- Padma in Bangladesh.