The Barak-Meghna river basin, a vital transboundary ecosystem spanning 82,000 sq km and supporting over 50 million people in India and Bangladesh, is undergoing a dangerous transformation. Climate change is disrupting rainfall patterns, intensifying floods, and threatening both biodiversity and livelihoods, as revealed during a three-day dialogue held in Bangkok from July 23–25.
Hosted by the Meghna Knowledge Forum II and co-organised by the IUCN South Asian University, and Asian Institute of Technology, the event underscored growing concerns: monsoon rains are declining, while pre- and post-monsoon rainfall is increasing a shift that raises the frequency and severity of early-season flash floods, especially across Bangladesh’s vulnerable Haor wetlands.
Experts highlighted that more than 50% of the basin is already experiencing rising temperatures. This shift threatens to reshape the hydrology of the region, damaging wetland ecosystems, and intensifying risks for indigenous communities like the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia, who depend on the Meghna’s natural flow.
Beyond climate-driven disruption, human activities are compounding the threat. In India, illegal mining, sand extraction, and overfishing from Thingou to Sonabarighat are degrading habitats. In Bangladesh, wetland conversion, encroachment, and unsustainable tourism in biodiversity hotspots like Tanguar and Hakaluki Haor are placing additional pressure on fragile ecosystems.
These trends are part of a wider crisis. According to WWF’s Living Planet Report 2024, freshwater species populations have plummeted by 85% since 1970. The UN notes a 134% increase in flood-related disasters since 2000, with droughts affecting 55 million people annually.
But the forum also offered solutions. Scientists, policymakers, and indigenous representatives jointly called for nature-based climate adaptation strategies, including wetland and forest restoration, community-led resilience efforts, and cross-border cooperation on early warning systems and disaster management.
Promoting sustainable trade and eco-tourism emerged as a path forward. Local products such as pineapples, jackfruit, spices, bamboo goods, and betel nuts already form a strong informal trade link between India and Bangladesh. Meanwhile, fishing tourism and festivals like Shillong’s Cherry Blossom and Taisam on the Simsang riverbank are helping revive local economies and cultural heritage.
Participants urged investment in resilient infrastructure, youth training, scientific collaboration, and joint policy frameworks to address the challenges holistically. They emphasized that solutions must centre the voices of women, indigenous peoples, and rural youth, who bear the brunt of climate vulnerability.
As rainfall patterns shift and flash floods rise, the call from Bangkok is clear: climate resilience in the Barak-Meghna basin must be built on cooperation, ecological restoration, and empowered communities.