India on Monday said that “fake videos, rumours and fear-mongering” in flood-affected Bangladesh are intended to create misunderstandings about the release of water by India from the Farakka Barrage and this must be firmly countered with facts.
Responding to the media over the issue, Randhir Jaiswal, an official spokesperson of MEA said “We have seen media reports of the opening of Farakka barrage gates that will allow the flow of over 11 lakh cusecs of water downstream of the river in its natural course into the Ganga/Padma river.
This normal seasonal development occurs due to increased inflow from heavy rainfall in the Ganga river basin catchment areas upstream, he said.
“It is to be understood that Farakka is only a barrage and not a dam. Whenever the water level reaches the pond level, whatever inflow comes that passes. It is merely a structure to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into the Farakka canal, which is carefully done using a system of gates on the main Ganga/Padma river, while the balance water flows into the main river to Bangladesh,” he added.
“Following the protocol, data is shared with the concerned Joint River Commission officials in Bangladesh on a regular and timely basis. It has been done this time as well,” he added.
“We have seen fake videos, rumours and fear mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts,” he said.
Meanwhile, the death toll from the devastating flooding in Bangladesh, triggered by relentless monsoon rains and overflowing rivers, has reached 23 on Monday. Besides, 1.24 million families across 11 districts are stranded due to the floods.
Despite the gradual receding of floodwaters, around 5.7 million people remain isolated, with many urgently requiring food, clean water, medicine, and dry clothing. According to reports, the situation is particularly dire in remote areas where blocked roads have severely hampered rescue and relief operations.
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MEA slams fake news on Farakka Barrage, says rumours to be countered with facts
