Morpho-dynamic Avulsion, Source Blockage, and Wetland-Mediated Transboundary Water Sharing in the Ganges-Padma System
Description
Historical Context & Source Blockage: Tracks the major historical shift of the Ganges from the Bhagirathi channel towards the Padma River (following events like the 1505 earthquake). It highlights a consolidated sediment blockage by 2025 near Giria, causing a severe hydraulic disconnection from the main river source. Braiding & Bank Erosion: Shows that the Ganges-Padma reach near Suti-Dhuliyan has transformed from a single-thread channel to a highly dynamic, braided river system accompanied by aggressive bank erosion. Role of Wetland Systems: Details how local wetlands (such as Ahiran beel) and local rivers (such as the Masna/Bagmari) supply baseflow directly into the Indian section of the Padma River via artificial siphon infrastructure beneath the Farakka Feeder Canal. Transboundary Implications: Demonstrates that these wetland-mediated flows provide an essential net addition of fresh water entering Bangladesh. The paper argues that with the 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Sharing Treaty expiring in 2026, renegotiations must consider sediment, wetland ecosystems, and siphon infrastructure rather than relying solely on volume allocations.
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Institutions
- North Eastern Hill UniversityMeghalaya, Shillong