TIPAIMUKH DAM: LIKELY ENVIRONMENTAL CONSEQUENCES FOR BANGLADESH

This article provides a detailed analysis of the likely environmental consequences for Bangladesh of the proposed Tipaimukh Dam, a large hydroelectric project planned by India on the Barak River. It examines how the dam, located just upstream of the Bangladesh border, could significantly alter the downstream flow of the Barak-Meghna river system, which is a vital lifeline for the northeastern region of Bangladesh. The study assesses the potential impacts on river hydrology, agriculture, fisheries, and the delicate ecosystems of the Haor wetlands. The research argues that the project, if implemented without a proper joint impact assessment and a bilateral agreement, could have devastating and irreversible environmental and socio-economic consequences for Bangladesh. The paper calls for a transparent, scientific, and cooperative approach between the two countries to manage this sensitive transboundary water issue. The analysis concludes that the Tipaimukh Dam represents a major test case for the future of India-Bangladesh water cooperation.

The proposed Tipaimukh Dam in Northeast India has been a subject of intense concern and controversy in Bangladesh. This paper provides a comprehensive assessment of the likely environmental and socio-economic consequences for Bangladesh as the lower riparian country. The analysis begins by outlining the hydrology of the Barak-Meghna river system and its crucial importance for the agriculture, fisheries, and overall ecology of the Sylhet region of Bangladesh. The core of the article is a detailed examination of the potential downstream impacts of the dam. It explores how the regulation of the river's flow could lead to a reduction in the dry-season flow, impacting irrigation and navigation, and a change in the flood pulse, which is vital for the health of the region's extensive Haor (wetland) ecosystems and its fisheries. The paper also discusses the risk of increased sedimentation and the potential impact on river morphology. The findings are based on a review of the available scientific literature and environmental impact assessments. The central argument of the paper is that a project of this magnitude on a shared river cannot be a unilateral undertaking. It makes a strong case for the application of the principles of international water law, which require prior notification, data sharing, and a joint environmental impact assessment. The paper concludes with an urgent call for India and Bangladesh to engage in a transparent and cooperative dialogue to ensure that the development of the Barak River is sustainable and equitable for both countries.