WATER DISPUTES IN SOUTH ASIA: A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF BANGLADESH AND PAKISTAN

Abstract

The problem of improper water management and water resources is very common in developing countries and especially in South Asia. Three out of seven countries including Bangladesh, Nipal and Pakistan are involved in Water sharing conflicts with each other. This research paper highlights the water disputes and various water sharing treaties in South Asia especially in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan, with a comparative evaluation of past and future trends, followed by suggestions for a sustainable future cooperation. The paper will also have focused on the historical water conflicts of Indian state with the other South Asian countries especially with Pakistan and Bangladesh. The first part of the paper deals with water issues erupted between India and Pakistan such as Bagliar Dame water issue, Kishanganga water conflict, and Wullar Barrage etc and treaty signed to resolve the water disputes between these two states such as Indus Water Treaty. The second part of the paper highlight the water disputes between India and Bangladesh and also focuses on the Accord signed between the two states including the Teesta water Treaty, and Farraka agreement etc. At the end, the paper will provide the comparison of both Pakistan and Bangladesh’s water disputes with India. Key Words: Water disputes/Issues/Conflict, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Water Resources, Kishanganga, Wullar Barrage, Teesta, Farraka Accord/Treety, Indus water treaty.