India Rejects US Media Report Blaming it for Bangladesh Floods.
 
                                                      (Source - Aljazeera)

The Indian government on Friday firmly rejected a US media report that blamed India for the ongoing flood situation in Bangladesh, labeling it as "misleading" and "factually incorrect." The report had implied that India’s release of water from the Dumbur dam in Tripura was responsible for the devastating floods in Bangladesh, a claim that the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has strongly refuted.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal responded to the allegations by stating, "We have seen the report on the flood situation in Bangladesh. Its narrative is misleading and suggests that India is somehow responsible for the floods. This is factually not correct and ignores the facts mentioned in the press releases issued by the Government of India clarifying the situation." Jaiswal also emphasized that the report overlooked the well-established protocols for the exchange of data and critical information between India and Bangladesh. He highlighted that both countries engage in regular and timely communication through joint mechanisms for water resources management, ensuring transparency and cooperation in managing shared water resources.

                                                         
(Source - Aljazeera)

The US media report in question claimed that residents of Feni, a region in Bangladesh located near the Indian border, blamed India for releasing water from the Dumbur dam without any prior warning, leading to unexpected and severe flooding. The report quoted an IT worker from Feni, who had returned from Dhaka to assist in rescue efforts, stating, "They opened the gate, but no information was given." According to the report, this sudden release of water caught the local population off guard, exacerbating the flood situation in an area already vulnerable to seasonal monsoon rains.

Bangladesh is currently grappling with a harsh monsoon season, which has severely affected over 18 million people, particularly in the eastern and southeastern regions of the country. The United Nations has reported that more than 1.2 million families are trapped due to widespread flooding and relentless rains, making the situation even more dire. The US media report suggested that India’s actions contributed significantly to this crisis, sparking criticism from affected communities in Bangladesh.

India’s rejection of the report underscores its position that the floods in Bangladesh are a result of natural monsoon conditions rather than any deliberate action on its part. The ongoing dialogue between India and Bangladesh on water management continues to be a crucial aspect of their bilateral relations, ensuring that both nations can effectively manage shared rivers and mitigate the impacts of natural disasters like floods.

As Bangladesh battles severe monsoon floods affecting millions, India remains committed to supporting its neighbor through cooperative water management practices. The Indian government’s response to the US media report highlights the importance of accurate reporting and the need for continued collaboration between the two nations to address the challenges posed by extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change.




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