Dhaka alert about possible Brahmaputra swelling

Dhaka is alert about release of excess water by China that may cause floods in the downstream of the Brahmaputra, including Bangladesh.

"There're fears that the release of excess water by China may cause floods in the downstream of the Brahmaputra which may have impact on Bangladesh, too," UNB quoted the Bangladesh high commission in New Delhi as saying.

The high commission said so in the message forwarded to the foreign affairs and water resources ministries on Wednesday, briefing them about the situation.

China has recently issued an alert to India mentioning that it would release excess water into the Brahmaputra river owing to heavy rainfall in the upper course of the river, known as Tsangpo in Tibet, reads the fax message.

There are reports that the water level in the Tsangpo river has now reached the highest mark in 50 years, forcing authorities to increase the discharge rate into the Brahmaputra river, read the message obtained by the news agency.

Diplomatic sources said India has communicated the matter with relevant officials in Bangladesh as Brahmaputra river may swell up if China releases additional waters.

The river flows downstream through India and into Bangladesh as Brahmaputra.

Following China's warning, Indian central government has asked the authorities of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to remain on high alert, the message adds.