Ganges delta - need to resuscitate the Ganges to arrest adverse trend in both India and Bangladesh

Appropriate interventions are desired to resuscitate the Ganges with the aim to arrest the adverse trend at the earliest and, in due course, reverse it for improved livelihood through (a) higher productivity in agriculture, aquaculture, forestry, etc. under favourable soil and water conditions, and (b) reduced hazard due to flooding of low lands and erosion of river banks.

There is need for a study in holistic mode in order to regulate water flow through construction of structures and diversion of water at strategic points along the river systems upstream in order to ensure minimal required water flow to and through the Farakka barrage. The task of India in this regard sharing entirely the upstream flow of water passing through a number of states before reaching Farakka barrage is therefore imminent but I believe has been grossly overlooked in as far as its application is concerned so far. The National Ganga River Basin Authority under Government of India should have the jurisdiction to conduct a detailed study and formulate plan immediately for strict compliance for upstream regulation of water flow before it is too late. If necessary empowerment through legal action may be thought of. The shortcomings in planning and execution of the much hyped Ganga Action plan (GAP) should be carefully studied. There are disturbing news of state governments drawing up massive plans for a number of hydel power projects and other non-government organizations even diverting water at their wills in this stretch of the river course in order to meet their sectoral needs, thereby leading to drying up the river flow (see ‘Hydel plants will dry up Ganga: CAG’, Times of India, 2 April, 2010), overlooking the interest of the nation at large, and in long term perspectives, the ecological sustainability of both India and Bangladesh. Any action on the future plans will be futile if the upstream regulation is not viewed seriously enough, not only to stop unplanned use of river water forthwith but also take positive measures to augment it as far as possible to its original state, no matter how efficient the design of the barrage and the downstream regulation of the water flow are. Finally there is need for reworking on the water allocation between the two countries round the year based on minimum and assured flow input into the barrage with cooperation of all states and the Government of India and realistic inputs received from all concerned with scope for periodical monitoring alongside vigilance of high order in order to achieve success on a long term basis.