Title: A Complex River System: Issues Facing the Ganges River

 

Author: Alyssa Bakke

Abstract: The Ganges River, considered the holiest river in the world, is a complex river system that incorporates many of the conflicting water issues of today. An examination of the water sharing issues facing the Ganges River and how India and Bangladesh came to a long-term agreement after years of negotiations will further illustrates the complexities facing this river. The economic, environmental and social aspects of the river are discussed as well as how these impact the lower basin of Bangladesh.  A comparison of the Ganges River to the Colorado River as a water source for both the U.S and Mexico shows the difficulties of managing a river system that crosses international boundaries.  Finally, by examining the Ganges River and the Colorado River, an analysis can then be made to show how complicated it can be to manage a transboundary resource.

 

Key References:

Islam, Nahid. (1992).  Indo-Bangladesh common rivers: the impact on Bangladesh.  Contemporary South Asia, Vol. 1, 203-226.

 

Hossain, Ishtiaq (1998).  Bangladesh-India relations: the Ganges water-sharing treaty and beyond.  Asian Affairs: An American Review, Vol. 25, 131-151.

 

 

 

 

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Date: May 2002
Student: abakke@willamette.edu
ENVR 327: Water Resources
Instructor: Dr. Karen Arabas
http://www.willamette.edu/~karabas/courses/envr327w