Ecosystems for Life project team visits Northern Bangladesh to understand water management issues (Part II) | WPN World People News

Teesta Barrage

The Teesta River is the fourth major trans-boundary river in Bangladesh. Historically the Teesta has been an important river for both Bangladesh and India with the two governments currently working together to finalize an agreement over effective water management strategies. The command area of the Bangladesh Teesta Barrage Phase 1 is 154,250 ha, of which 111,406 ha net irrigable area. The project area spreads over seven districts in greater Rangpur, Dinajpur and Bogra.

Flooding in Northern Bangladesh

Speaking to the team, Mr Jahir Uddin, Executive Engineer for the project, explained that the barrage is 615 m long, and the project currently comprises a 110 m canal head regulator, 650 km of irrigation canal networks, 250 km of drainage channels and 80 km of flood embankments.

Ecosystems for Life team

The Teesta Barrage, the largest irrigation project in Bangladesh is an irrigation, flood control and drainage project which is helping to achieve food security and sustainable livelihoods in Bangladesh and India. By visiting the barrage at Dalia in the Lalmonirhat district the team were able to see firsthand how the barrage has assisted in increasing agriculture production, contributed to fisheries development through the canal systems, recreation and communication. The barrages have also assisted in cropping intensity and flood control as well as creating potential employment opportunities in the surrounding areas. As part of the second phase of the project the Bangladesh Government is trying to increase the barrage project, which would irrigate an additional 386,000 hectares of land. This would allow for improved food security and livelihoods for more communities in both Bangladesh and India.

Life along the Jamuna River

The construction of the Indian barrage at Gozaldoba, one hundred kilometres upstream from Dalia has been one of the sources of the ongoing debate regarding water management issues between Bangladesh and India. In Bangladesh India’s water diversion with the barrage is believed to be a contributing factor to a proportion of the Teesta in Bangladesh becoming parched during the dry season (December to April). This subsequently has led to increased agriculture costs for Bangladeshi farmers.

Ecosystems for Life team at Bangladesh/India border

Resolution of the ongoing dispute is crucial to ensure the improved livelihoods of communities in both India and Bangladesh. The ongoing water management issues between the two countries are a critical aspect of the Ecosystems for Life project. Project Director, Mr. Frank van der Valk noted that a media analysis is currently being conducted between Bangladesh and India media experts as part of the project activities to synthesize and analyse issues related to trans-boundary water management between Bangladesh and India, with focus on the Teesta. The results of the analysis are hoped to promote a greater understanding between the countries of the trans-boundary ecosystems in the Bangladesh-India sub-region in order to contribute to an improved system for sustainable management of resources.

Reinforcement on Jamuna River

Flooding in the north

The team then studied the worsening flooding situation in the northern area of Sirajganj. Several hundred villages were inundated, stranding tens of thousands of people in North Bangladesh. The Flood Forecasting and Warning Centre reported that the Jamuna at Bahadurabad was 83 cm above the danger mark at Sirajganj by 6 am Saturday 30 June. The flood affected communities are facing shortages in drinking water, fuel and fodder for their cattle. The Water Development Board fears that the hard-point at the Sirajganj town protection embankment is at the risk of breaking.

Life along the Jamuna

Since Saturday the Army has been deployed in Sirajganj town to protect the embankment following a request by the Water Development Board to save the hard point of the dam from collapsing. The army was called to save the 2.5 km town protection dam after a 60 m proportion of the hard point almost collapsed due to erosion caused by abnormal swelling of the Jamuna River.

Life on the Jamuna

The current flooding situation is particularly concerning as the monsoon season has only just commenced, stated Mr. van der Valk. This highlights the huge importance of effectively managing trans-boundary water issues he said. The Ecosystems for Life project is currently finalizing its Situation Analysis on Flood Management as a basis for its further actions on this topic.

Source: International Union for Conservation of Nature