The Government has said that the flood situation in Bangladesh is not due to release of waters from the Indian dam on Gumti River in Tripura.

In a statement issued today, Ministry of External Affairs said, concerns being expressed in Bangladesh that the current situation of flood in districts on the eastern borders of Bangladesh has been caused by opening of the Dumbur dam upstream of the Gumti River in Tripura.

The Ministry termed this factually incorrect, pointing out that the catchment areas of Gumti river have witnessed heaviest rains in the last few days. It said, the flood in Bangladesh is primarily due to waters from these large catchments downstream of the dam.

According to the External Affairs Ministry, the Dumbur dam is located quite far from the border over 120 kilometres upstream of Bangladesh.

It is a low height dam that generates power that feeds into a grid and from which Bangladesh also draws 40 megawatt power from Tripura.

The Ministry said, heavy rainfall has been continuing in Tripura and adjoining districts of Bangladesh. In the event of heavy inflow, automatic releases have been observed.

The Ministry underlined that floods on the common rivers between India and Bangladesh are a shared problem inflicting sufferings to people on both sides, and requires close mutual cooperation.

The Ministry said it remains committed to resolving issues and mutual concerns in water resources and river water management through bilateral consultations and technical discussions.

India and Bangladesh shares 54 common cross-border rivers, and river water cooperation is an important part of bilateral engagement.