River training projects

It is too naive to believe that spending money on regular basis will improve the situation, even semi-permanently. Just consider one single factor: two billion tons of silt annually (also calculate the total volume of water flowing. How to handle it, year after year? There is no point in fighting AGAINST such magnitude of problem (fighting the superpower by the mini terrorist bands is a similar problem). One has to be in tune with the natural forces, and make lives worth living in the affected areas on both or one side of the rivers. If the approach is right, then the completed projects would be more manageable, and show visible results.

There are two basic factors: the amount of solid matter involved (silt and erosion); and, the huge energy generated in the process, including the hydraulic power generated. In non-deltaic areas, the theoretical parameters are more controllable. It is like a big water tank or reservoir with many holes, all of which cannot be plugged simultaneously. Here the problem is three-dimensional on a megascale, and the majority of the inputs are variable irregularly regular (compare with forecasting the weather).

It is rather discouraging to fight a losing battle decade after decade, because the inputs, (which cause the damage) cannot be controlled from within the country.

The Farakka Barrage just outside the national border is said to have adversely affected the residents downstream (Bangladesh even the arsenic problem has been linked to it). Hence deeper coordination with neighbours is required during the drafting of the plan concept papers. There are many preconditions, starting with political goodwill.

We need more awareness seminars for a more graphic picture of the magnitude of the tools and other resources required to handle this mega project for decades ahead. Nature is not cruel. But the question is how to be in tune with it.