The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) addressed media reports on Monday about the release of water through the Farakka barrage, which has been linked to flooding in Bangladesh. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal clarified that the discharge of over 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream is a normal seasonal occurrence, and data is regularly shared with Bangladeshi officials.
“We have seen media reports regarding the opening of Farakka barrage gates, which will allow over 11 lakh cusecs of water to flow downstream into the Ganga/Padma river. This is a usual seasonal event due to heavy rainfall in the Ganga river basin catchment areas upstream,” stated the MEA.
The MEA emphasized that Farakka is a barrage, not a dam. When water levels reach the pond level, the inflow passes through. The structure diverts 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka canal using a system of gates on the main Ganga/Padma river, while the remaining water flows into the main river towards Bangladesh.
The data on water discharge is shared with the Joint River Commission officials in Bangladesh regularly, following protocol. The government also urged the public to counter fake videos, rumors, and fear-mongering with factual information.
Bangladeshi media reports on Monday claimed that India opened 109 gates of Farakka Barrage due to northern floods, releasing around 11 lakh cusecs of water into Bangladesh in one day. The reports indicated potential flooding risks in Bangladesh, stating that several areas, including Feni, Noakhali, Cumilla, and Moulvibazar, have been inundated following the opening of Domboor and Gazoldoba dams.
