S.M.AL-FAHAD

The Ganges-Brahmaputra-Meghna (GBM) River Basin is the beating heart of South Asia, sustaining nearly 700 million people across five countries—India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and China. Covering 1.7 million square kilometers, this vast network of rivers forms the backbone of agriculture, industry, and daily life in one of the world’s most densely populated regions. However, the very lifeline that nourishes millions is now under serious threat due to climate change, pollution, and transboundary disputes.
The GBM system is not just a geographical marvel but an ecological necessity. The Ganges, originating from the Gangotri Glacier in India, holds immense religious and economic significance. The Brahmaputra, known for its mighty flow, is both a source of livelihood and destruction due to frequent floods. The Meghna, mostly in Bangladesh, supports an extensive delta system crucial for fisheries and agriculture. Despite their importance, these rivers face an onslaught of environmental degradation. Massive deforestation in the Himalayas, unregulated industrial waste disposal, and rapid urban expansion have turned once-pristine waters into polluted drains. The Ganges, for instance, remains one of the world’s most polluted rivers, despite multi-million-dollar cleanup projects like Namami Gange. The unchecked use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides in farmlands further worsens water quality.
As glaciers in the Himalayas melt at alarming rates, the GBM basin faces unpredictable water flow patterns. Rising temperatures have led to more frequent and devastating floods, particularly in Bangladesh, longer drought periods impacting farming and drinking water supply, and increased salinity in coastal areas, making freshwater sources undrinkable. With climate change altering monsoon patterns, the delicate balance of this river system is in jeopardy. Scientists warn that if mitigation efforts are not taken soon, millions will face water shortages, forced migration, and severe economic losses.
Beyond environmental challenges, water-sharing disputes have long plagued the GBM basin. Rivers do not recognize national borders, but governments do—leading to frequent diplomatic tensions. The Teesta River dispute between India and Bangladesh remains unresolved, with Bangladesh demanding a greater share of the water. Similarly, China’s large-scale dam construction on the upper Brahmaputra has raised concerns in India and Bangladesh about reduced water flow downstream. While agreements such as the Ganges Water Treaty (1996) between India and Bangladesh exist, effective transboundary water governance is still lacking. Instead of working together, riparian nations often pursue unilateral projects, disregarding the broader ecological impact. Without a cooperative framework, conflicts over water may escalate, affecting millions who depend on these rivers.
Saving the GBM basin requires a unified, multi-pronged approach. Governments, local communities, and international organizations must come together to strengthen water-sharing agreements, invest in sustainable agriculture to reduce groundwater depletion and chemical runoff, enforce strict pollution control measures for industries and urban areas, develop early warning systems for floods and droughts, and promote regional cooperation that prioritizes shared benefits over national interests.
The GBM River Basin is not just a set of water bodies—it is a shared heritage and responsibility. Its survival depends on how seriously we take conservation efforts today. Will South Asian nations work together to preserve this natural treasure, or will short-term national interests drive it to the brink of collapse? The answer lies in policy action, public awareness, and a commitment to sustainability. The future of millions of lives, economies, and ecosystems hinges on the choices we make now. The GBM rivers have nurtured civilizations for centuries. It is time we return the favor.