QUES . Discuss the steps required to realize ‘hydro-co-operation’ between India and Bangladesh.

HINTS:

Hydro-cooperation between India and Bangladesh refers to the sharing of water resources from common rivers for the mutual benefit of both countries. This type of cooperation is essential to ensure the sustainable use of water resources, mitigate the impact of natural disasters, and enhance economic development.

Here are the steps required to realize hydro-cooperation between India and Bangladesh:

Identify the common rivers: The first step towards hydro-cooperation is to identify the common rivers between India and Bangladesh. The major rivers shared between the two countries are the Brahmaputra, the Ganges, and the Meghna.

Assess water resources: The next step is to assess the available water resources in these rivers. This would involve a detailed study of the water flow, seasonal variations, water quality, sedimentation, and other factors that influence water availability.

Agree on water sharing: Once the water resources are assessed, the next step is to agree on the sharing of water resources between the two countries. This would require negotiation and agreement on the quantity and timing of water flows, as well as the rules for managing any disputes that may arise.

Establish institutional mechanisms: To ensure effective implementation of the agreement on water sharing, it is essential to establish institutional mechanisms such as joint committees, technical working groups, and monitoring and evaluation systems. These mechanisms would help to facilitate cooperation and resolve any issues that may arise.

Implement projects: The final step is to implement projects that would facilitate the optimal utilization of shared water resources. This would involve the development of infrastructure such as dams, barrages, canals, and water treatment plants. It would also require investment in research and development to identify new ways of using water resources more efficiently.

In summary, realizing hydro-cooperation between India and Bangladesh requires a collaborative approach that involves the identification of common rivers, assessment of water resources, agreement on water sharing, the establishment of institutional mechanisms, and implementation of projects to facilitate optimal utilization of shared water resources.