Chronology of Events - The Ganga: Water Use in the Indian Subcontinent - page 224

Chapter 12
Chronology of Events

An account of the gradual deterioration of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly, the expert opin-
ions as regards deterioration of this river and also the Calcutta Port activities, events
leading to the disputes and misunderstandings between the two countries, India and
Bangladesh (earlier East Pakistan) on the sharing of the Ganga waters from the
beginning, the meetings at technical as well as political levels, the political and
administrative changes in two countries and developments according to the passage
of time etc. can now be brought out in statements for better understanding. The
statements have been prepared on five different topics as noted below:

1. Deterioration of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly.
2. Suggestions for resuscitation of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly.
i) Before India's Independence.
ii) After India's Independence.
iii) Adverse views.
3. Construction of Farakka Barrage.
4. Negotiations on the sharing and augmentation of the Ganga water.
i) With Pakistan (1947-1971).
ii) With Bangladesh (1971-1977).
5. On the Agreement, Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) and Treaty.

Deterioration of the Bhagirathi-Hooghly

Individual/Agency Month/Year Comments

Tavernier (Italian
Traveller)

January
1666

Saw the mouth of the Bhagirathi by boat, closed by sand
bank.

Halwell 1756 On way to Murshidabad by boat, was detained by shallows

at Shantipur below the confluence of the Bhagirathi and
the Jalangi.

Renell 1781 The Cossimbazar river (i.e. Bhagirathi) is almost dry from

October to May and the Jalangi (although one of its
streams runs the whole year) is, in some years,
non-navigable in two or three of the driest months.