India working to make Bangladesh a desert

[idune]

China does not ask India when it blocks the flow of the Indus or Brahamputra.

I just returned from Guwahati & was shocked to see the low levels of water in the brahamputa. The steamers stood grounded . This time of the yr, the water ought to be high.

Evidently, no one cares a sausage what happens down stream.

If you have issue with water from China go discuss it in indian forum.

 

[third eye]

If you have issue with water from China go discuss it in indian forum.

I was replying to a fellow Indian on to a post he made here.

Thanks for your unsolicited advice anyway.

 

[Cockpuncher]

India befools Bangladesh on Tipaimukh

Abdur Rahman Khan

In a total disregard to the expert opinion about adverse impact of Tipaimukh Dam in north-eastern India and the neighbouring Bangladesh, Indian high commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakravarty said in Dhaka that the hydropower project over the cross-boundary river Barak will not harm Bangladesh.
"The Tipaimukh hydropower project was not like the Farakka irrigation project. A little amount of water will be diverted to produce hydroelectricity and the water will be released soon", Pinak Ranjan told reporters after meeting with shipping minister Afsarul Amin last week.
"We know that India will build a hydropower plant on Tipaimukh. Bangladesh knows nothing about any dam there." Water resources minister Ramesh Chandra Sen however told the press.
However, Bangladesh foreign ministry has been planning to raise some protest with the new Indian government soon it assumes power. In the meantime, Bangladeshi ccitizens living abroad have taken a global initiative to collect signatures for a petition to be addressed to Indian Prime Minister calling for scrapping of the Tipaimuk dam project.
India in 2003 initiated the move to construct the dam over the cross-boundary river Barak, which enters into Bangladesh through Sylhet region before meeting the Meghna.
The idea of a dam over the Barak river was mooted from as early as 1954, but the detailed project report for construction of the Dam was submitted only in 1984. The twin major objectives were electricity generation and flood control. In 1995, Rishang Keishing, the then Chief Minister of Manipur voiced opposition to the project.
Three years later, in 1998, the Manipur assembly passed a resolution opposing the project. In the meanwhile, the Action Committee against Tipaimukh Project (ACTIP), a wide coalition of social and civil organizations has formed in Manipur to oppose the project. In the North Eastern region, the Brahmaputra River and the Barak River are both international rivers. The joys and sorrows that these two rivers mean for the peoples of Bangladesh and northeastern India are shared.
However, Tipaimukh Dam project was entirely developed and approved without once informing the government of Bangladesh or involving its people in any meaningful exercise to assess the downstream impacts of the dam. This is clearly a gross violation of co-riparian rights of Bangladesh. The unilateral construction of Tipaimukh dam on an international river is also violation of UN Convention on the Law of Non-navigational Uses of International watercourses.
After much delay, the foundation stone for the 1500-MW Tipaimukh Multipurpose Hydel Project was finally laid by union power minister Sushil Kumar Shinde at the project site near Tipaimukh in Manipur on December 16, 2006.
With this act, the Union Government signalled that it is determined to push ahead with the project, however strong and vocal opposition to the ambitious scheme is. On the day, much of Manipur was shut down due to a bandh called in protest against the Project. As the ministerial team reached Thangal village in Tamenglong district after a public meeting at Parbung, bandh supporters torched government offices and destroy public utilities at the Tamenglong district headquarters.
Meanwhile, environmentalists in Bangladesh have held many talks on the adverse impact of the proposed dam. They say the dam would dry up the river and the water bodies in the downstream, leaving millions jobless and upsetting the ecological balance.
Bangladesh environment expert, Zakir Kibria , Executive Director of BanglaPraxis: A Collective Initiative for Research and Action explains that the construction of Tipaimukh dam will have serious adverse impact on the downstream part of the Barak river basin, which is in northeastern part of Bangladesh, and known as Surma-Kushyiara-Meghna river basin.
Institute of Water Modelling (IWM), an autonomous research institute in Bangladesh recently conducted a study on the impact of Tipaimukh dam on Bangladesh. The study predicts that, the dam, once operational, will change the hydrological pattern of the Barak River.
As result, the Kushiyara-Bardal haor (wetland) on the left bank of the Kushiyara river would become completely dry during average monsoon year due to Tipaimukh dam operation. The Kawardighi haor (wetland) would also lose around 2,979 ha. (26 %) of its usual inundated land during average monsoon year. Impact on Damrir haor and Hakaluki haor would be relatively less in comparison to other haors of the Sylhet and Moulvibazar district.
The above impacts on the river-floodplain-wetland would destroy the natural integrity of the ecosystem involved within these physical system, thereby, the consequences of that will be the loss of riverine habitat and species, lack of enrichment of land with the nutrient full silt leading to the ultimate decline in the natural productivity of the two most abundant resources of Bangladesh - land and water.
Dr. Soibam Ibotombi, of the Dept. of Earth Sciences, Manipur University in an article mentioned that the "Tipaimukh Dam is a geo-tectonic blunder of international dimensions".
He questioned the very wisdom of constructing a dam in the North-East region of India which is one of the six major seismically active zones of the world . Analysis of earthquake epicentres and magnitudes of 5M and above within 100-200km radii of Tipaimukh dam site reveals hundreds of earthquakes in the last 100-200 years. It is found that within 100km radius of Tipaimukh, earthquakes of +7M magnitude have taken placed in the last 150 years and the last one being occurred in the year 1957 at an aerial distance of about 75km from the dam site.
Globally, Hydropower projects have been criticised for not paying adequate attentions from environmental conservation point of views. Construction of dams adversely affects the hydrology, the terrestrial system and the aquatic system of the basin.
Dr. Khwairakpam Gajananda, an environment expert working with the G.B. Pant Institute of Himalayan Environment & Development in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh pointed out that like any other dam, the Tipaimukh dam will bring change in the climatic condition of the project site leaving the eco-impact features of instability in the form of landslides and soil erosion, violent disturbance of pristine areas.
Decrease flow-rate of the river downstream will affect aquatic life and riparian communities, reduce capacity for self-regeneration, reduce recharge of groundwater aquifers and enhance pollution levels, observed Dr Gajananda.
Meanwhile, in India, different socio-cultural, student and environment groups continued to staged demonstrations and protest rallies against the Tipaimukh Dam.
Back in 1994-95, the Zeliangrong Students' Union, Manipur and the Hmar Students' Association, on behalf of their respective communities, had presented memoranda to the Prime Minister of India opposing the Dam project
The Zeliangrong and Hmar tribes inhabit the submergible region. The project authorities have recorded blatant lies about the flora and fauna of the area and all the rare and endangered species of reptiles and mammals, including pythons, gibbons, leopards and deer.
In the midst of confusion and controversies and reports of tribal unrest, a group of social and environment activists formed themselves into the Action Committee for Tipaimukh (ACT) in November 1991. The finding of the ACT which were startling has been summed up as follows: the site selected for the dam is located in a region which is among the most seismically active in the two major earthquakes of 8+ in the Richer Scale during the past 50 years. The Barak river is flowing on a major fault zone and the dam site is only 500 meters away from this zone. Hence, the very basic feasibility of the dam is questionable.
The selection of the dam site is motivated by political considerations, the ACT mentioned long ago.

HOLIDAY > FRONT PAGE

did u know hundreds of indians gave their lives to make ur country free. is this how u react? by cribbing on water?

 

[third eye]

did u know hundreds of indians gave their lives to make ur country free. is this how u react? by cribbing on water?

CP,

They have every right to ' crib', jus coz India played a part in the indep of BD does not mean that BD should be subservient in any manner. We all are one among equals.

Nations deal with each other on equal terms..and water is a major issue in our part of the world & shall only get worse in the days ahead.

Suggest you reconsider your remarks.

 

[TopCat]

Bangladesh need to make it clear to India that we just dont like any barrier in normal flow of water in any of the river. This is the question of our existence and Bangladesh could assure India that BD will not obstruct any water within BD territory and will not implement any project which could substantially reduce the flow of water to the Bay of Bengal.
Some idiots from India suggested that BD does not use water and all water goes to Bay of Bengal but those morons does not know how important it is to let go those water to its normal course.
If there were no water those morons wont be able to eat Hilsa fish sitting in the air conditioning room in Calcutta and millions will die out of Arsenic contamination. The biggest disaster just waiting for them as the sea water is rising and there will not be any more Silt from Himalay which could fill the land and coup with rise of water.
Did I talk about Salinity?? oh dear..............

 

[Cockpuncher]

CP,

They have every right to ' crib', jus coz India played a part in the indep of BD does not mean that BD should be subservient in any manner. We all are one among equals.

Nations deal with each other on equal terms..and water is a major issue in our part of the world & shall only get worse in the days ahead.

Suggest you reconsider your remarks.

my point is that they should not abuse india all the time bcos many indians gave their lives for the freedom of bengalis. I know a few myself

 

[idune]

my point is that they should not abuse india all the time bcos many indians gave their lives for the freedom of bengalis. I know a few myself

Another indian and never ending indian deception spiral. This time acting victim, con artist at their best taking queue from Indian govt, I will just leave it that...

 

[Cockpuncher]

Another indian and never ending indian deception spiral. This time acting victim, con artist at their best taking queue from Indian govt, I will just leave it that...

either u r not from bangladesh, or u r ignorant of history, or u r extreemly ungratefull.I will just leave it that...

 

[idune]

TIPAIMUKH DAM

Parliamentary team must ascertain its adverse effects

Shamsuddin Ahmed

Much has been spoken and written about the adverse impacts of 1,500 feet high Tipaimukh Dam on the Barak River in India across the Sylhet border. The dam now under construction by the Indian government will block the natural flow of the Barak River that falls into Bangladesh at Zokiganj and runs separately by the name of Surma and Khowai. Obstruction in the flow of the Barak River will no doubt dry up the Surma and the Khowai rivers resulting in perilous affects on agriculture and ecology of the entire north-eastern region of Bangladesh.

Concern in Monipur, Assam
The people of Monipur and Assam states of India are no less concerned about adverse impact of the dam. Tipaimukh Dam: An Invitation to Disaster, wrote Thuanrei Phaomei, a scholar from Monipur. He said the Action Committee against Tipaimukh Dam sent a fact finding team to Tipaimukh village in Churachandpur district The team concluded: the site is earthquake zone that include the Barak River; it will have disastrous impact on habitation, forest, flora and fauna, culture, ecology; selection of the dam site is politically motivated. Committee had urged the central government of India to abandon the Tipaimukh High Dam project on the same considerations it abandoned the plan for Tehri Dam in the region in 1970s.

Nehru sacked Banerjee
It is worth recalling the anti-Farakka Barrage movement within India and the then Pakistan was unheeded. Kapil Banerjee, Irrigation Engineer of West Bengal, wrote a book in early 60s vehemently opposing the barrage saying it will entail serious damages to West Bengal and adjoining states of India. Incidentally, the book reached President Ayub Khan. He took Kapil's views and persuaded Prime Minister Nehru to discard the Farakka Barrage project.
This annoyed Nehru; he sacked Kapil and subjected him to mental and physical torture leading to his death.
Indian water experts attending a seminar on War over the Ganga arranged by Panos Institute South Asia in Katmandu inn late 2004, held that Kapil was right and narrated how vast areas of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa are badly affected by the Farakka Barrage causing woes to the people of the region.
As the voice against the Tipaimukh High Dam is getting strong and louder across Bangladesh, our Water Resources Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen is found acquiescent to the Indian project. To utter surprise of many Sen has reportedly said the affects of the dam cannot be assumed before it comes into operation.
Bangladesh can take up the issue when the dam is completed and any adverse affect is felt. His wisdom, not the patriotism of course, is questioned in different circles.
Responding to the strong criticism Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty has said Bangladesh will in no way be affected by the Tipaimukh Dam. He suggested an expert team visit the dam site and make an on the spot assessment. LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam the other day announced that a parliamentary team will shortly visit the Tipaimukh High Dam site.
In early 1970s Water Resources Minister Khandker Mushtaque Ahmed went to New Delhi with the contentious issue of sharing of the Ganges water. The meeting with his counterpart Jagjivan Ram ended without any result.
Let us hope our parliamentary team is not duped and returns home satisfied without ascertaining the harmful effects of the Tipaimukh Dam on the entire region in general and Bangladesh in particular.

HOLIDAY > FRONT PAGE

 

[Cockpuncher]

TIPAIMUKH DAM

Parliamentary team must ascertain its adverse effects

Shamsuddin Ahmed

Much has been spoken and written about the adverse impacts of 1,500 feet high Tipaimukh Dam on the Barak River in India across the Sylhet border. The dam now under construction by the Indian government will block the natural flow of the Barak River that falls into Bangladesh at Zokiganj and runs separately by the name of Surma and Khowai. Obstruction in the flow of the Barak River will no doubt dry up the Surma and the Khowai rivers resulting in perilous affects on agriculture and ecology of the entire north-eastern region of Bangladesh.

Concern in Monipur, Assam
The people of Monipur and Assam states of India are no less concerned about adverse impact of the dam. Tipaimukh Dam: An Invitation to Disaster, wrote Thuanrei Phaomei, a scholar from Monipur. He said the Action Committee against Tipaimukh Dam sent a fact finding team to Tipaimukh village in Churachandpur district The team concluded: the site is earthquake zone that include the Barak River; it will have disastrous impact on habitation, forest, flora and fauna, culture, ecology; selection of the dam site is politically motivated. Committee had urged the central government of India to abandon the Tipaimukh High Dam project on the same considerations it abandoned the plan for Tehri Dam in the region in 1970s.

Nehru sacked Banerjee
It is worth recalling the anti-Farakka Barrage movement within India and the then Pakistan was unheeded. Kapil Banerjee, Irrigation Engineer of West Bengal, wrote a book in early 60s vehemently opposing the barrage saying it will entail serious damages to West Bengal and adjoining states of India. Incidentally, the book reached President Ayub Khan. He took Kapil's views and persuaded Prime Minister Nehru to discard the Farakka Barrage project.
This annoyed Nehru; he sacked Kapil and subjected him to mental and physical torture leading to his death.
Indian water experts attending a seminar on War over the Ganga arranged by Panos Institute South Asia in Katmandu inn late 2004, held that Kapil was right and narrated how vast areas of West Bengal, Bihar, Orissa are badly affected by the Farakka Barrage causing woes to the people of the region.
As the voice against the Tipaimukh High Dam is getting strong and louder across Bangladesh, our Water Resources Minister Ramesh Chandra Sen is found acquiescent to the Indian project. To utter surprise of many Sen has reportedly said the affects of the dam cannot be assumed before it comes into operation.
Bangladesh can take up the issue when the dam is completed and any adverse affect is felt. His wisdom, not the patriotism of course, is questioned in different circles.
Responding to the strong criticism Indian High Commissioner Pinak Ranjan Chakraborty has said Bangladesh will in no way be affected by the Tipaimukh Dam. He suggested an expert team visit the dam site and make an on the spot assessment. LGRD Minister Syed Ashraful Islam the other day announced that a parliamentary team will shortly visit the Tipaimukh High Dam site.
In early 1970s Water Resources Minister Khandker Mushtaque Ahmed went to New Delhi with the contentious issue of sharing of the Ganges water. The meeting with his counterpart Jagjivan Ram ended without any result.
Let us hope our parliamentary team is not duped and returns home satisfied without ascertaining the harmful effects of the Tipaimukh Dam on the entire region in general and Bangladesh in particular.

HOLIDAY > FRONT PAGE

i think india should pay for the damages the dam will create

 

[idune]

Asian Highway, Tipaimukh Dam to jeopardise sovereignty

Staff Reporter

Speakers at a roundtable yesterday said that the government wanted to implement the conspiracy of India against the country by allowing the transit and corridor for India in the name of Asian Highway Network and not protesting the construction of Tipaimukh Dam on Borak River at the upper reaches of Surma and Kushiara Rivers.

They called upon the government not to sign the agreement of Asian Highway Network to be connected with AH-1 and AH-2 of Asian Highway route saying that if the government signs the agreement AH-41 avoiding AH-1 and AH-2, the people of the country would not oppose.

Organised by Swadhinata Forum the roundtable on 'Proposed Asian Highway: Responsibility of Bangladesh' was held at the National press Club in the city.

President of the Forum Abu Naser Moshammad Rahmatullah presided over the roundtable while it was addressed among others by BNP leaders and former ministers Dr Khandaker Moharraf Hossain and ASM Hannan Shah, former vice chancellor of Dhaka University Prof Dr Emaj Uddin Ahmed, former adviser to caretaker government Maj Gen (Retd) Ruhul Alam Chowdhury, former Director General of BDR Maj Gen (Retd) ALM Fazlur Rhaman, Journalist Mubaidur Rahman, President of Jatiya Gonotantrik Party Shafiul Alam Prodhan, President of National People's Party (NPP) Sheikh Shawkat Hossain Nilu and General Secretary of Islami Oikkya Jote Moulana Abdul Latif Nejami.

Khandaker Mosharraf said if Bangladesh were connected with Asian Highway route, it would be a threat to the sovereignty of the country.

ASM Hannan Shah called upon the government not to take AH-1 and AH-2 in the interest of the country saying that when the two routes would be completed, India would continue aggression on the country. If it is needed to sign the agreement, the government should hold the referendum, he added.

Prof Emaj Uddin said exactly corridor is being allowed in the name of AH-1 and AH-2 to be connected with Asian Highway route and Bangladesh should not accept the project to protect the country from the aggression of India.

The speakers said if Bangladesh would be connected with the routes, the country would be turned to a free market of Indian goods. It would bring immense losses for Bangladesh, they added.

They also said the country would be turned to battle place of Seven Sisters of India, which are conducting movement for liberation and the Indian central government wants to resist them by using the two routes.

The New Nation - Internet Edition

 

[third eye]

my point is that they should not abuse india all the time bcos many indians gave their lives for the freedom of bengalis. I know a few myself

Your sentiment is appreciated but look at it this way, just coz British & US troops helped liberate Europe from the Nazis in WW II should Europe remain beholden to to them forever ?

I come from a family whose members fought in EP in '71 ( Hilli, Tangail, sylhet) even lost a few relatives. But that was then, the cause was justified & right.

Lastly, there are no free lunches & no permanent friends or enemies -circumstances & long term policy dictates everything. In this world it is ' each man for himself"

Even the Gita asks us not to ' expect' anything in return, just do what is right.

In response to a reply you posted on India compensating the damage the Dam would do downstream, my view is No.Refer undelined part above.

 

[Zob]

this is good india is making dams on the pakistani border & on the bangladeshi borders!!! its kind of cool how india is having long term view while pakistanis and bangladeshis sleep and think of the present!!

 

[Cockpuncher]

this is good india is making dams on the pakistani border & on the bangladeshi borders!!! its kind of cool how india is having long term view while pakistanis and bangladeshis sleep and think of the present!!

u cant blame india 4 buiding dams. India is extreemly power straved. Many villages are put in darkness to supply the cities.

So it is understandable that india trades good will of its niegbhours in exchange 4 power.

 

[quest]

India is going for its own interests and will not be stopped, does not matter that whether it causes damages to other countries. So whats the solution, problem is India is too big a country at the same time having huge population so the needs.
Now you can check the whole history, when you pressurize them , they will sit to discuss only to buy time so that they can complete their plans. You can check the whole history after independence.
I don't see any other thing but war because i know their way of thinking. India is also stopping Pakistan rivers and remember that time is not that much far when the matters will not be acceptable and will go beyond limits. May be US will interfere at that time but that time is not that much far away as things are getting uglier every passing day.