In a significant step towards improving flood management, Bhutan has agreed to share real-time rainfall and river discharge data with West Bengal, enabling more accurate and timely forecasting in vulnerable regions.
The decision follows sustained efforts by the Mamata Banerjee-led government, which had been urging the Centre to facilitate data-sharing arrangements with Bhutan. The breakthrough came during a recent high-level meeting between Indian and Bhutanese officials on trans-boundary water issues.
Officials said that access to real-time hydrological data from upstream areas in Bhutan will significantly enhance the state’s ability to anticipate and respond to sudden floods, particularly in North Bengal districts that are frequently affected by heavy rainfall in the Himalayan region.
The demand for such a mechanism intensified after the devastating floods of October 2025, triggered by the overtopping of the Tala Dam in Bhutan following extreme rainfall. The incident exposed critical gaps in early warning systems and cross-border data sharing.
As part of the agreement, both sides have decided to strengthen cooperation by installing additional automatic rain gauges, river gauges, and discharge monitoring stations in Bhutan. These measures are expected to improve monitoring and provide timely alerts to downstream regions.
West Bengal has also been advocating for the formation of an Indo-Bhutan River Commission to ensure long-term coordination on water management and flood control. The state Assembly had earlier passed a resolution urging the Centre to take necessary steps in this regard.
Officials believe that enhanced collaboration between India and Bhutan will play a crucial role in mitigating flood risks and protecting lives and infrastructure in flood-prone areas of eastern India.
