New Delhi: India on Monday refuted reports in Bangladesh that opening of the gates of the Farakka barrage in West Bengal had caused flash floods in the country. The recent floods in Bangladesh have killed 23 people and affected 60 lakh people.

Strongly refuted false claims

Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said, we have seen and heard fake videos, rumours and fear-mongering propaganda being circulated on various media in Bangladesh. We strongly refute these false statements.

The spokesperson said, information related to the water of the river and the barrage is shared with the officials of the Joint River Commission as per the prescribed system. This commission has officials from both the countries.

Water leakage is normal

Jaiswal said, we have seen reports in Bangladesh media about the gates of Farakka Barrage being opened and 11 lakh cusecs of water being released into Ganga or Padma river. It is normal to release water downstream during rainy season. Since there has been more rain this time, more water is being released. There is nothing unusual or wrong in this.

Farakka is a barrage, not a dam

Everyone should keep in mind that Farakka is a barrage, not a dam. Barrages have a limit of water storage, that limit is being kept in mind. Last week, India had also given clarification after rumours spread that water was being released into the Gumti river from a dam in Tripura in Bangladesh.