DOCSLIB.ORG

Project Costs and Benefits Analysis

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Project Costs and Benefits Analysis Part 3: Appendix I Project Costs and Benefits Analysis Banladesh Delta Plan 2100 297 298 General Economics Division Appendix I : Project Cost and Benefit Analysis161 I.1 Introduction The Government of Bangladesh has initiated the Bangladesh Delta Plan 2100 (Delta Plan or BDP2100) to define a long-term vision for Bangladesh’s development. The Delta Plan links Bangladesh’s medium-term goal to become an upper middle income country with its long-term goals to manage water, ecology, environment, and land resources sustainably. Given its deep experience with managing delta issues, the Government of the Netherlands is providing technical assistance to the Government of Bangladesh for the formulation of the Delta Plan. The General Economics Division (GED) of the Planning Commission is coordinating consultant inputs from BanDuDeltAS (Team A) and Policy Research Institute (Team B) to develop the Delta Plan. Both teams have now submitted Zero Draft Delta Plans, which are being reviewed by GED. To support implementation of the Delta Plan, the World Bank Group (WBG)162 is assisting GED with the formulation of a BDP2100 Investment Plan. The Investment Plan will include relevant projects for implementation through 2030. Because Bangladesh is one of the most economically dynamic and climate change vulnerable countries in the world, any proposed investments must be planned in a fully adaptive way to ensure successful implementation and sustainability. The Investment Plan does this by applying the principles of adaptive delta management (ADM) to develop a credible, implementable, and sustainable Investment Plan to support the Delta Plan. The purpose of this report is to assess BDP2100 priority projects for eventual inclusion in the Investment Plan. Team A has prepared Project Concept Notes (PCNs) for over 100 projects for consideration for the Investment Plan. These PCNs have varying levels of detail, from detailed project concepts to initial project ideas. GED has provided 34 of these PCNs to the WBG Investment Plan team to consider for the Investment Plan. Of these 34 projects (detailed in Section I.7), the Team was able to obtain enough detailed information for 26 projects for a full project assessment to determine suitability for inclusion in the Investment Plan. The other eight projects do not yet have sufficient information to be properly assessed. GED rejected a further two projects for inclusion because they are already in advanced stages of consideration for implementation, and the Investment Plan team identified another three projects that had already secured funding. GED also combined two pairs of related projects. This resulted in a total of 19 projects to be considered for detailed assessment. The results of this project assessment will be used to develop the Investment Plan. The report is structured as follows: • Section I.2: describes the assessment process and criteria. The Investment Plan team considered various aspects of each project, including costs and benefits and feasibility study results. • Section I.3: summarizes the project cost benefit analyses and describes the methodological issues. 161 This Project Costs and Benefits Analysis report was developed as one of the early stages of the Investment Plan formulation pro- cess. It only covers projects for which there was sufficient information available. 162 In collaboration with the 2030 Water Resources Group Banladesh Delta Plan 2100 299 • Section I.4: presents the Investment Plan team’s overall observations of the group of projects. The full list of projects received (Batches 1-3) is given in I.7. We have since received a fourth batch of initial project ideas on 24 September 2016 for consideration in the Investment Plan. These additional preliminary project ideas are given in I.8. The Batch 4 concepts will be analyzed as part of the Investment Plan. • Section I.4: suggests how projects could be prioritized in the Investment Plan and demonstrates how the prioritization approach works with the current batch of projects. • Section I.6: presents the detailed assessments for each project. Although these assessments are based to a significant extent on information in the BDP2100 PCNs, the Investment Plan team has conducted considerable additional research and consultations where feasible to supplement the information in the PCNs. A record of the additional research and consultations is provided in I.10. 300 General Economics Division I.2 Project Assessment Process The projects were screened in two phases. Here we describe the analytical process for the initial assessment, detailed assessment, and the project prioritization framework. Overall observations from the analysis are given in Section I.3 and Section I.4. Detailed project assessments are included in Section I.6. I.2.1 Initial Assessment For each project, we compiled as much background information as possible to supplement the information in the PCN. We also consulted with relevant stakeholders within each Ministry and Department. Based on this information, we conducted an initial assessment of each project’s state of readiness, development history, consistency with Government plans, linkages to climate change adaptation, and suitability for private sector participation. First, we examined the information available, such as feasibility studies, environmental and social impact assessments, cost benefit studies, and development project proformas (DPPs) or preliminary development project proformas (PDPPs). The amount of information available, and when studies were completed or updated, is an indication of the project’s state of readiness. Where information is outdated or studies have not yet been carried out, we have noted these needs. Next, we did a high-level check of whether each project is consistent with the Government of Bangladesh’s stated objectives. These objectives were derived from laws, policies, and plans such as the Seventh Five-Year Plan (FYP). I.7 lists all the documents that we reviewed as part of this assessment. We also assessed whether each project is in line with BDP2100 goals. We noted the history of the project’s development, such as which agency first proposed the project, and any delays with the project proposal. Finally, we conducted an initial assessment of whether the project is linked to climate change adaptation measures, and whether this type of project has a track record of private sector participation internationally. I.2.2 Detailed Assessment From 130 project proposals received, 26 have sufficient information to be considered “detailed” PCNs. Detailed project assessments were conducted for each of these projects. In addition to the information from the initial assessment, the detailed assessment includes: • A brief description of the project history • Problems and challenges that the project aims to address • An assessment of the project costs and benefits • A technical assessment • Linkages to existing policies and initiatives • Linkages to other projects, ongoing or planned • An assessment of the application of ADM principles • Linkages to climate change adaptation issues • Assessment of private sector financing potential • Assessment of the policy and institutional reforms required for successful implementation. Banladesh Delta Plan 2100 301 We analyzed each of the above areas by reviewing the PCNs, reading all supporting documents wherever available, and having conversations with line agencies responsible for developing and implementing these projects and with other experts as appropriate. I.10 details the research and consultations we conducted. Below, we explain what we analyzed in each of the areas identified above. Brief description of the project history For each project, we describe how the project idea was first conceived, and which agency or agencies first proposed the project. We describe how the project was developed, including any feasibility or environmental and social impact assessments conducted. Problems and challenges the project aims to address This describes the specific issues that each project is designed to address. We draw linkages to any relevant BDP2100 goals and issues. Economic costs and benefits We summarize the available information on capital costs and operating and maintenance costs. We assess whether these cost estimates seem reasonable. We also assess the benefits assumed for these projects and identify areas for improvement. We note where information is outdated, and where additional studies are needed to provide more accurate cost and benefit information. This section also considers potential environmental and social costs and benefits drawn from environmental and social impact assessments and cost-benefit analyses. Where applicable, we note if studies need to be carried out or updated, and suggest methods to address methodological flaws. Linkages to existing policies and initiatives Government ownership and alignment with Government policies and initiatives is an important requirement for any project to be included in the Investment Plant. We evaluated each project’s linkages to the Seventh Five-Year Plan and other sectoral plans, policies, and regulations, including ones related to climate change. We also analyzed alignment with BDP2100 goals and objectives. Technical assessment This section describes the technical layout of the project as far as information is available. It assesses the technical feasibility of the project. Where possible, the analysis is based on completed feasibility studies. The analysis also draws on established technical
Load more

Recommended publications
  • See Resource File
    Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation in Attaining SDG Targets in Bangladesh (Global Partnership in Attainment of the SDGs) General Economics Division (GED) Bangladesh Planning Commission Ministry of Planning Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh September 2019 Prospects and Opportunities of International Cooperation in Attaining SDG Targets in Bangladesh Published by: General Economics Division (GED) Bangladesh Planning Commission Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka-1207, Bangladesh Website: www.plancomm.gov.bd First Published: September 2019 Editor: Dr. Shamsul Alam, Member (Senior Secretary), GED Printed By: Inteshar Printers 217/A, Fokirapool, Motijheel, Dhaka. Cell: +88 01921-440444 Copies Printed: 1000 ii Bangladesh Planning Commission Message I would like to congratulate General Economics Division (GED) of the Bangladesh Planning Commission for conducting an insightful study on “Prospect and Opportunities of International Cooperation in Attaining SDG Targets in Bangladesh” – an analytical study in the field international cooperation for attaining SDGs in Bangladesh. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda is an ambitious development agenda, which can’t be achieved in isolation. It aims to end poverty, hunger and inequality; act on climate change and the environment; care for people and the planet; and build strong institutions and partnerships. The underlying core slogan is ‘No One Is Left Behind!’ So, attaining the SDGs would be a challenging task, particularly mobilizing adequate resources for their implementation in a timely manner. Apart from the common challenges such as inadequate data, inadequate tax collection, inadequate FDI, insufficient private investment, there are other unique and emerging challenges that stem from the challenges of graduation from LDC by 2024 which would limit preferential benefits that Bangladesh have been enjoying so far.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Scarcity in Bangladesh
    01 2013 PRIO REporT 01 2013 Water Scarcity in Bangladesh Water Scarcity More than fifty transboundary rivers feed into This report presents the results of a colla- Bangladesh, effectively creating the world’s borative and multidisciplinary effort by a team second largest riverine drainage basin, the of researchers from Norway and South Asia, in Bangladesh Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) basin. approaching the issue of water scarcity in Since time immemorial, this river system has Bangladesh with a view not only to conduct supported and maintained the agrarian societies research on river water availability, but also to of the basin. These societies are now faced with help promote awareness and knowledge-sharing Transboundary Rivers, Conflict and Cooperation Peace Research Institute Oslo Research Peace Visiting Address: Hausmanns gate 7 Address: Visiting Norway NO-0134 Oslo, 9229 Grønland, PO Box Institute Oslo (PRIO) Research Peace Water Scarcity in Bangladesh ISBN: 978-82-7288-485-6 ISBN: Jason Miklian Photo back cover: Scott Carney cover: Photo front increasing riverine environmental stress, while on river water management in the region. In demands for water continue to rise due to addition to reviewing bilateral agreements on industrialization as well as population growth. water cooperation in South Asia, the report investigates water scarcity in Bangladesh and Driven mainly by the South Asian monsoon explores institutional mechanisms and strategies and the complex dynamics of the Himalayan for basinwide and multilateral cooperation on the glaciers, the region’s water resources and management of transboundary river water. hydrology present great challenges for water managers. While there is still limited coope- ration on transboundary river water manage- ment among the countries of this region, many stakeholders are now calling for closer cooperation.
    [Show full text]
  • Indo-Bangladesh Developmental Cooperation
    INDO-BANGLADESH DEVELOPMENTAL COOPERATION DISSIBRTJELTIONT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE AWARD OF THE DEGREE OF iflas^ter of ^Jjiloiop^p IN political Science BY AZRA KHAN UNDER THE SUPERVISION OF Dr. M. Mahmood Reader In Political Science DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE ALIGARH MUSLIM UNIVERSITY ALIGARH. 1890 r 'fi^XHnlfl l ^ ^ DS1986 V 4 ^1 t- ? 3 OCT :392 Department of Political Science Phones : \';^'^ '^ ''If^ Aligarh Muslim University Ihm. : 266 Aligarh October 25,1990 THIS IS TO CERTIFY THAT i*lI5S A ZRM KHAN HAb PREPARED HER l*i.PHIi.. DISSERTATION ON «!NOO-BANGLAD£SH DEUELOPMLNTAL COOPERATION" UNCER (*iY GUIOANCE. THE yORK IS TiT FOR SUBHISSION FOR EVALUATION. CERTIFIED ALSO THAT THE CANDIDATE HAS CLEARED THE PRESCRIBED PAPERS AND PUT IN THE REQUISITE ATTENDANCE DURING THE PERIOD STIPULATED FOR THE COURSE. (nOHAPIMED nAH!*100C) READER IN POLITICAL SCIENCE CONTENTS Pages PREFACE ....i-iv Chapter I : THE ROLE OP INDIA IN THE .... 1-20 CREATION OP BANGLADESH - Indian aid during Lib­ eration Struggle of Bangladesh, - India and Bangladesh since Liberation, Chapter II t IN DO-BANGLADESH TREATY OF FRIENDSHIP, COOPERA­ TION AND PEACE, 1972 .... 21-38 - The Background and Significance - Anti-India Propaganda in Bangladesh - Sheikh Mujib's 1974 visit to India Chapter III : D£TERMIN;4NTS Op INDO- BANGLADESH DEVELOPMEN­ TAL COOPERATION .,.. 39-56 - Geographical Proximity - Politico-Strategic Understanding - Economic Linkages - Regional Cooperation - Indo-Bangladesh Coop­ eration under the SAARC - II - Pages Chapter IV : INDO-BANGLADESH DEVELOIMEN- TAL COOPERATION DURING 1972-1989 .... 57-79 - Pormation and Working of the Indo-Bangladesh Joint River Commission - Indo-Bangladesh Joint Economic Commission -j^greement on the Tin Bigha Corridor - Cooperation in Social, Cultural and Technolo­ gical Fields Chapter V : INDO-BANGLADESH TRADE RELATION?SINCE 1972 ...
    [Show full text]
  • The Ganges Basin Management and Community Empowerment Mohhamed Anwar Hossen
    Anwar Hossen Bandung: Journal of the Global South (2015) 2:14 DOI 10.1186/s40728-014-0005-3 RESEARCH Open Access The Ganges Basin management and community empowerment Mohhamed Anwar Hossen Correspondence: [email protected] Abstract Department of Sociology, Dhaka University, Dhaka, Bangladesh This paper explores the ecological effects of the top-down Ganges Basin water management systems in Chapra, Bangladesh, based on my ethnographic fieldworka data collected in 2011-12. An example of this top-down system is the Farakka Barrage in India that causes major ecological system failures and challenges to community livelihoods. The reduction in Ganges Basin water flow in Bangladesh based on the pre and post Farakka comparison is helpful in understanding these failures and their effects on community livelihoods. My argument is that basin communities are capable of becoming empowered by Ganges Basin water management and failures in the management create major challenges to the livelihood of these communities. In this context, I analyze the current Ganges Basin management practices, focusing specifically on the Joint River Commission and the 1996 Ganges Treaty between India and Bangladesh, and their effects on the basin communities in Chapra. My fieldwork data point out that the current shortcomings in basin management can be overcome with an improved management system. Water governance based on a multilateral approach is a way to restore the basin’s ecological systems and promote community empowerment. Based on this empowerment argument, this paper is divided into the following major sections: importance of the basin ecosystems for protecting community livelihoods, limitations of current basin management practices and community survival challenges, and proposed water governance for community empowerment.
    [Show full text]
  • I | Climate Protection and Development: Budget Report, 2017-18
    i | Climate Protection and Development: Budget Report, 2017-18 Climate Protection and Development Budget Report, 2017-18 June 2017 Finance Division Ministry of Finance Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh www.mof.gov.bd i | Climate Protection and Development: Budget Report, 2017-18 Foreword Bangladesh has made remarkable strides since independence in its endeavour to maintain sustained growth along with impressive social indicators. Its per capita income has increased and poverty rate has gone down significantly over successive years. It achieved significant success in meeting the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and joined hands with the world community in the pledge to implement Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs). In its march towards a middle-income country Bangladesh is facing several development hurdles. It includes climate change that poses major threat to the hard-earned gains of years of sustained growth and development. The Government of Bangladesh has been forced to put climate change high in its development agenda. In 2008, the Government prepared and adopted Bangladesh Climate Change Strategy and Action Plan (BCCSAP) to align its changing development priorities and revised it in 2009 to add more areas of action. Subsequently, Climate Change Trust Fund (CCTF) was created by the Government from its own resources to finance projects for implementation of BCCSAP. Moreover, the Government adopted a Climate Fiscal Framework (CFF) for Bangladesh in 2014 to provide incentives and guidance for costed and prioritized climate actions. It is gratifying to note that in recognition of her strong leadership in taking forward all these landmark initiatives, Hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was bestowed the United Nations’ highest award on Environment, “Champions of the Earth” in 2015 under the Policy Leadership Category.
    [Show full text]
  • Bbin: Opportunities & Challenges
    BBIN: OPPORTUNITIES & CHALLENGES Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury Nilanjan Ghosh Pahi Saikia Pratnashree Basu Sohini Nayak Sujeev Shakya Observer Research Foundation Kolkata BBIN: OPPORTUNITIES and CHALLENGES Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury Nilanjan Ghosh Pahi Saikia Pratnashree Basu Sohini Nayak Sujeev Shakya Observer Research Foundation Kolkata Observer Research Foundation Building Partnerships for a Global India Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary public policy think tank engaged in developing and discussing policy alternatives on a wide range of issues of national and international significance. Some of ORF's key areas of research include international relations, security affairs, politics and governance, resources management, and economy and development. ORF aims to inuence formulation of policies for building a strong and prosperous India in a globalised world. ORF pursues these goals by providing informed and productive inputs, in-depth research, and stimulating discussions. Set up in 1990 during the troubled period of India's transition from a protected economy to its new engagement with the international economic order, ORF examines critical policy problems facing the country and helps develop coherent policy responses in a rapidly changing global environment. As an independent think-tank, ORF develops and publishes informed and viable inputs for policy- makers in the government and for the political and business leadership of the country. It maintains a range of informal contacts with politicians, policymakers, civil servants, business leaders and the media, in India and overseas. ORF publications are distributed widely to government officials and legislators, business leaders, journalists and academics. Headquartered in New Delhi, ORF has centres in Chennai, Mumbai and Kolkata.
    [Show full text]
  • India – Bangladesh Bilateral Relations #Upsc-Gs Paper-Ii-Mains #International Relations
    INDIA – BANGLADESH BILATERAL RELATIONS #UPSC-GS PAPER-II-MAINS #INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS copyrights@svadyayaforupsc 8500968010 copyrights@svadyayaforupsc 8500968010 India Bangladesh relations UPSC India’s links with Bangladesh are civilizational, cultural, social, and economic. There is much that unites the two countries – a shared history and common heritage, linguistic and cultural ties, passion for music, literature, and the arts. With Bangladesh, India shares not only a common history of the struggle for freedom and liberation but also enduring feelings of both fraternal as well as familial ties. This commonality is reflected in multi-dimensional relations with Bangladesh at several levels of interaction. High-level exchanges, visits, and meetings take place regularly alongside the wide-ranging people to people interaction. India’s Missions in Bangladesh issue about half a million visas every year and thousands of Bangladeshi students study in India on a self-financing basis and are recipients of over one hundred annual GOI scholarships. Sharing of River Waters India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers. The Ganga Water Treaty was signed on December 12, 1996, for water sharing of river Ganga during the lean season (January 1-May 31). The 37th Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) meeting was held in New Delhi from March 17-20, 2010. In the last technical level meeting held in Kolkata in February 2012, both sides exchanged data at Dalia in Bangladesh and Gazaldoba in India. Bilateral Trade Bangladesh is an important trading partner for India. India’s exports to Bangladesh in FY 2019-20 stood at $9.21 billion and imports from Bangladesh in FY 2019-20 was at $ 1.04 billion.
    [Show full text]
  • India's Connectivity with Its Himalayan Neighbours
    PROXIMITY TO CONNECTIVITY: INDIA AND ITS EASTERN AND SOUTHEASTERN NEIGHBOURS PART 3 India’s Connectivity with its Himalayan Neighbours: Possibilities and Challenges Project Adviser: Rakhahari Chatterji Authors: Anasua Basu Ray Chaudhury and Pratnashree Basu Research and Data Management: Sreeparna Banerjee and Mihir Bhonsale Observer Research Foundation, Kolkata © Observer Research Foundation 2017. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any part or by any means without the express written permission of ORF. India’s Connectivity with its Himalayan Neighbours: Possibilities and Challenges Observer Research Foundation Building Partnerships for a Global India Observer Research Foundation (ORF) is a not-for-profit, multidisciplinary public policy think- tank engaged in developing and discussing policy alternatives on a wide range of issues of national and international significance. Some of ORF’s key areas of research include international relations, security affairs, politics and governance, resources management, and economy and development. ORF aims to influence formulation of policies for building a strong and prosperous India in a globalised world. ORF pursues these goals by providing informed and productive inputs, in-depth research, and stimulating discussions. Set up in 1990 during the troubled period of India’s transition from a protected economy to engaging with the international economic order, ORF examines critical policy problems facing the country and helps develop coherent policy responses in a rapidly changing global environment. As an independent think-tank, ORF develops and publishes informed and viable inputs for policy-makers in the government and for the political and business leadership of the country. It maintains a range of informal contacts with politicians, policy-makers, civil servants, business leaders and the media, in India and overseas.
    [Show full text]
  • Trends in India-Bangladesh Relations
    Volume : 4 | Issue : 7 | July2015 ISSN - 2250-1991 Research Paper Political Science Trends in India-Bangladesh Relations MUDE KRISHNA DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, S.V.UNIVERSITY, TIRUPATI, NAIK A.P.INDIA 517502 KEYWORDS Various issues need to be resolved if the relationship between tween India and Bangladesh adds to the trade deficit, dating the two are to be improved, from sharing the water of 54 in- back to the initial years of Bangladesh’s birth. The substantial, ternational rivers that flow from India to Bangladesh to con- informal and unrecorded trade, carried across the India-Bang- trolling terrorism and promoting economic development. ladesh border, is more quasi legal in nature, and is often de- scribed as ‘informal’ rather than illegal, since there is wide TRADE participation of local people in the border areas who operate The trade relationship has had a detrimental effect on bilater- in liaison with the anti-smuggling enforcement agencies. In- al relationship. The geographical proximity of India to Bang- formal trade of this kind often involves large numbers of local ladesh has made it one of its biggest trading partners.There people individually transporting small quantities as head loads are pressing concerns in Bangladesh regarding the large bilat- or through bicycle rickshaws, also known as ‘bootleg’ smug- eral trade deficit with India and the large volumes of informal gling. imports from India across the land border which avoid Bang- ladeshi import duties. Bangladesh’s bilateral trade deficit with Another kind of informal trade, termed ‘technical’ smuggling, India has been increasing rapidly on average at about 9.5% involves explicit illegal practices such as under invoicing, mis- annually.
    [Show full text]
  • Water Diplomacy and Water Sharing Problem Between Bangladesh and India: a Quest for Solution
    International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue I, January 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705 Water Diplomacy and Water sharing problem between Bangladesh and India: a Quest for Solution Fahmida Aktar Associate Professor, Department of Political Studies, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet, Bangladesh Abstract- Water is an important resource for all time, 90 billion cubic meters (BCM) during the season against healthiness, and development. However, one in three people the demand of about 147 billion cubic meters, a shortage worldwide doesn’t have enough water to satisfy their daily needs. of nearly 40 percent, leading to a drought-like situation in Consistent with the UN, in 2025 nearly 2 billion people will live in large parts of the country”.5 conditions of absolute water scarcity, and two-thirds of the planet in areas of water stress. Bangladesh and India share 54 Bangladesh and India share a complete of 54 rivers rivers. But there has been only one water-sharing agreement on between them. Since 1972, water relation between the one river that is ‘The Ganges Water Treaty-1996’. Without such two countries has been works-in-progress with both agreement with Bangladesh, India began constructing dams or parties attempting to realize equitable water sharing. diverting water from many Tran’s boundary rivers. The absence Bangladesh and India signed the ‘statute of the Joint of such agreements could lead to complex water-sharing conflicts within the future and should have negative, socio-economic, and Rivers Commission’ on 17 March 1972 which governs all political implications for bilateral relations between the two rivers common to both nations.
    [Show full text]
  • Case Study 2: the Ganges Basin (With Focus on India and Bangladesh)∗
    July 10, 2007 15:25 spi-b465 Bridges Over Water 9.75in x 6.5in case-study2 FA1 CASE STUDY 2: THE GANGES BASIN (WITH FOCUS ON INDIA AND BANGLADESH)∗ One of the most studied international basins, the Ganges, has tremendous joint development potential that has not yet been realized by its riparian states. Rather, the Ganges Basin is more popularly known for its rich history of disputes. Con- flicts and negotiations related to the Ganges have been ongoing for more than 50 years. Though it might seem a long duration, the relevant issues and positions have changed over time, as the number of riparians grew in the southern part of the system from one to three. Sharing (per se) of the Ganges water was a strictly domestic problem before the partition of India. With Eastern and Western Pak- istan’s independence from India in 1947, the conflict became international. With the independence of Bangladesh (former Eastern Pakistan) from Western Pakistan in 1971, the main parties to the conflict were Bangladesh and India and have remained so until now. For all practical purposes, the Himalayan mountains separate Tibet from the rest of the Ganges riparians. In reality, Tibet was never part of the negotiations that took place. Tibet’s geographical isolation, combined with the fact that Bhutan, and Nepal, are land locked, and Bangladesh is surrounded by Indian territory have major implications on the positions and dynamics of the basin’s hydropolitics. The long history of disputes and negotiation largely took place between India and Bangladesh, as we shall see later.
    [Show full text]
  • The Ganges Water Conflict a Comparative Analysis of 1977 Agreement and 1996 Treaty
    *asteriskos (2006) 1/2: 195-208 ISSN 1886-5860 MUHAMMAD MIZANUR RAHAMAN1 The Ganges water Conflict A comparative analysis of 1977 Agreement and 1996 Treaty O conflito de augas do Ganxes Unha análise comparativa do Acordo de 1977 e o Tratado de 1996 Resumo: Este artigo examina dous tratados entre Bangladesh e India para o com- partillamento das augas do Río Ganxes e o aumento do seu fluxo durante as esta- cións de mais necesidade. Desde a construcción da barraxe de Farakka na India, as augas do Ganxes convertéronse na principal chave de conflito entre ambas nacións. Para abordar este conflito, os dous países asinaran durante as tres últimas décadas dous tratados e dous Memorandos de Entendemento, i.e. Acordo de 1977, Memo- randos de 1982 e 1985 e o máis recente Tratado de 1996 para a división das augas do Ganxes. Despois de ilustrar a evolución histórica dos conflitos e da cooperación hídricos entre as dúas nacións, este artigo repasa as provisións para a xestión e uso compartido do Acordo de 1977 e o Tratado de 1996. En base á análise comparativa entre ambos os textos, este artigo recomenda seis revisións do Tratado de 1996, que posibelmente contribuirían para a resolución do duradouro conflito hídrico do Ganxes, alcanzando a xestión integrada de recursos hídricos na Bacía deste río. Palabras-clave: Bacía do Ganxes, compartillamento de auga, acordo, conflito, coo- peración, xestión integrada de recursos hídricos. Abstract: This paper examines two treaties between Bangladesh and India for sharing wa- ters of the Ganges River and augmenting flow during lean season.
    [Show full text]