India rejects Bangladesh flood allegations, cites misinformation campaign

In a firm rebuttal, India on Monday categorically denied reports from Bangladesh suggesting that recent floods in some parts of the neighboring country were caused by the opening of the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal. The Indian government described these allegations as baseless and part of a misinformation campaign aimed at creating discord between the two nations.

During a press conference, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, addressed the issue, emphasizing the need to counter such claims with accurate information. “We have seen fake videos, rumors, and fear-mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts,” Jaiswal stated. He further informed that India has regularly shared relevant documents regarding the barrage’s operations with officials from the Joint River Commission of Bangladesh​.

The controversy arose after media reports in Bangladesh claimed that the opening of the Farakka Barrage gates had allowed the release of over 1.1 million cusecs of water into the downstream Ganga/Padma river, allegedly exacerbating flooding in certain areas of Bangladesh. However, Jaiswal clarified that the Farakka structure is a barrage, not a dam, and its primary function is to divert water into the Farakka canal while allowing the remaining water to flow naturally downstream into the river system shared with Bangladesh. “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 Farakka canal using a system of gates, while the balance water flows into the main river to Bangladesh.

This is not the first time India has faced such allegations. Just last week, the Indian government had to refute similar claims that floods in certain areas of Bangladesh were caused by the opening of a dam on the Gumti River in Tripura. The Ministry of External Affairs had then clarified that flooding in shared rivers is a mutual issue that requires cooperation between both countries, not unfounded accusations.

Adding to the tension, some Bangladeshi media outlets and social media platforms have amplified concerns, with claims that the water release has worsened the flooding situation. This has sparked protests and anti-India sentiment in certain areas of Bangladesh, with demands for the decommissioning of the Farakka Barrage. However, experts and officials on both sides of the border have downplayed these fears, noting that the water levels in the Padma River are currently stable and do not pose an immediate flood risk. Moreover, the heavy rainfall patterns, which have been particularly severe this season, are a significant factor contributing to the flooding, a view supported by meteorologists in the region​.

The ongoing situation underscores the complexities of transboundary water management between India and Bangladesh, especially during extreme weather events, and highlights the importance of transparent communication to prevent misinformation from fueling diplomatic tensions. India’s stance emphasizes its commitment to resolving such issues through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than through misinformation and speculation.