Factually incorrect: India rejects Bangladesh media reports' claims of floods due to Tripura dam

New Delhi, Aug 22:  Bangladesh has raised concerns over the recent floods devastating its eastern border districts, suggesting that the disaster was triggered by the release of water from the Dumbur dam upstream of the Gumti River in Tripura.

Bangladeshi officials and local media have pointed fingers at the Indian authorities, blaming the opening of the dam for the severe flooding that has stranded millions and caused widespread devastation in several areas bordering Tripura State.

In response to these allegations, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a statement, denying any responsibility for the floods.

In a press release, the MEA stated, “We have seen concerns being expressed in Bangladesh that the current situation of flood in districts on the eastern borders of Bangladesh has been caused by the opening of the Dumbur dam upstream of the Gumti River in Tripura. This is factually not correct.”

The MEA emphasized that the severe flooding in Bangladesh is primarily due to heavy rainfall in the catchment areas of the Gumti River, which flows through both India and Bangladesh.

The ministry pointed out that the Dumbur dam is located over 120 kilometres upstream from the Bangladesh border and is a low-height dam, primarily used for power generation, with Bangladesh also drawing 40MW of power from it.

MEA officials have stressed that the current flood situation is a result of natural factors, including the heaviest rainfall of the year in the region, rather than any deliberate action by India. "The flood in Bangladesh is primarily due to waters from these large catchments downstream of the dam," the MEA statement said.

As the flood crisis continues, the MEA added the importance of close cooperation between India and Bangladesh, given the shared nature of their river systems and the mutual challenges posed by such natural disasters.

According to the MEA, heavy rainfall has been persistent since August 21 in Tripura and the adjoining districts of Bangladesh. The ministry explained that in the event of heavy inflow, automatic releases of water have been observed at the dam. "Amarpur station is in part of a bilateral protocol under which we are transmitting real-time flood data to Bangladesh," the MEA spokesperson added.

Data showing a rising trend in water levels was shared with Bangladesh until 3:00 PM on August 21. However, a power outage due to flooding later that evening disrupted communications, although alternative means were employed to ensure the continued transmission of vital data.

The MEA said the importance of cooperation in addressing the shared challenges posed by floods on the common rivers between India and Bangladesh. "Floods on the common rivers between India and Bangladesh are a shared problem inflicting sufferings to people on both sides and require close mutual cooperation towards resolving them," the statement read.

The ministry reaffirmed India's commitment to resolving issues related to water resources and river water management through bilateral consultations and technical discussions, acknowledging the significance of river water cooperation as an integral part of the two countries' bilateral engagement.

The floods have caused widespread devastation in Bangladesh, particularly in the districts bordering Tripura. Over three million people have been stranded, with Feni, Parshuram, Fulgazi, and Chhagalnaiya upazilas among the hardest hit.

Large areas in Feni Sadar and Daganbhuiyan upazilas have also been inundated due to the rising water levels of the Chhota Feni River.

Reports indicate that many areas have been without electricity since Tuesday night, and the Feni-Parshuram regional road has become impassable due to flooding. The swelling of the Muhuri, Silonia, and Kahua rivers has further exacerbated the situation.

Bangladesh residents have expressed shock at the severity of the flooding, with many stating that they have not witnessed such massive flooding in the last 37 years.

Mohammad Selim, a former member of Anandapur union parishad, remarked, "Fulgazi and Parshuram upazilas experience floods every year due to onrush of water from upstream, but severe flooding like this year's did not occur since 1988," as was quoted by Star newspaper, a local newspaper of Bangladesh.

He added that floodwater has entered almost every house in Parshuram, Fulgazi, and Chhagalnaiya upazilas. In Noakhali, the flood situation has deteriorated further due to incessant rains and tidal surges.

Tripura State Massively affected by Floods, Nine killed

The flooding has also affected Tripura state in India, where nine residents have been killed by floods and landslides caused by incessant rains. The collapse of a Bailey bridge over the Kalundi Canal has suspended traffic on the Akhaura-Agartala road.

Over 30,000 people were displaced due to the heavy rains. According to the State Disaster Management Authority, 6,259 families, comprising 32,754 individuals, have been relocated to 331 relief camps across the state. An official from the Revenue Department noted that the number of shelter homes and residents fluctuates as people return to their homes once the water recedes.

The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings for continued heavy to extremely heavy rainfall in the West Tripura, Sepahijala, and Khowai districts. T

Tripura's Chief Minister, Dr. Manik Saha, urged residents in vulnerable areas to seek refuge in nearby relief camps. "The Gomati River has crossed the extreme danger level. The administration is actively evacuating affected residents to safer areas. I appeal to everyone in flood-prone zones to cooperate with authorities and move to shelter houses immediately. Your safety is our top priority," Dr. Saha stated on social media as reported by the regional media.