India Denies Flood Reports Amid Farakka Barrage Controversy

India refuted accusations from Bangladesh that the opening of the Farakka barrage in West Bengal has caused flooding in nearby areas. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized that these claims stem from misinformation and that necessary data is regularly shared with Bangladesh. The Farakka barrage's operation adheres to seasonal patterns due to upstream rainfall.

India on Monday refuted accusations from Bangladesh that the opening of the Farakka barrage in West Bengal is causing flooding in the neighboring country.

''We have seen fake videos, rumors, and fear-mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts,'' said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs.

Jaiswal emphasized that relevant data is regularly shared with the concerned Joint River Commission officials in Bangladesh. ''This is a normal seasonal development due to increased inflow from heavy rainfall in the Ganga river basin catchment areas upstream,'' he clarified.

Jaiswal further explained that the Farakka is a barrage, not a dam, and its gates allow the natural flow of water. It diverts 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka canal while letting the remaining balance flow downstream.

Last week, India also described as factually incorrect reports in Bangladesh suggesting flood situations result from the opening of a dam on the Gumti river in Tripura. The Ministry of External Affairs highlighted that flood issues on shared rivers are mutual problems requiring close cooperation.

(With inputs from agencies.)