RP TROSA 2.0 - CUTS In the previous phase of TROSA, CUTS explored the potential of short-haul cross-border trade through select inland waterways stretches between India and Bangladesh. Our research work on the waterway stretch Sonamura-Daudkandi contributed to the declaration of that stretch as a Protocol Route between India and Bangladesh. Along with Oxfam India, Oxfam Bangladesh, NERSWN and GUK, we generated evidence regarding the potential benefits of trade via the inland waterway between Dhubri (Assam) and Chilmari (Bangladesh) falling under the India Bangladesh Protocol Route-1.
The multi-stakeholder dialogues and traders meetings organised by CUTS, brought togetherthe private sector, academia and the implementing agencies into one platform to build consensus on inclusive cross-border trade practices through waterways. Our advocacy has contributed to the enhanced trade happening through waterways using low-draft vessels, particularly between Dhubri and Chilmari and also to the declaration of the new Protocol Route Sonamura-Daudkandi.
However, the movement of agricultural commodities through these waterways has not materialized yet owing to limited awareness among stakeholders, and some regulatory and infrastructural challenges. Similarly, there are other potential waterways that can benefit the local marginalised communities living in the international border areas of India and Bangladesh. Such waterways need to be identified and explored for economic benefits and the policymakers and other beneficiary stakeholders need to be apprised of these benefits for favourable policy actions.

Riverine communities are one of the most vulnerable populations to climate change. Building the adaptive capacity of these communities will also factor in economic resilience. Participation in economic activities and trade would ensure food security and build economic resilience.T23R activities proposed by CUTS will focus on this component.
The misperceptions existing among upperand lower riparian communities regarding water availability, its use and governance, surfaced in some of the Nadi Baithoks organised by CUTS and also in the work done by other partners. The Track-3 dialogues proposed in Phase 2 interventions are designed to demystify some of these myths on transboundary water governance and facilitate an informed discourse in the upper and lower riparian countries.

Existing capacities (Oxfam and partners)
Established contacts/networks in project areas with local communities/community based organisations
Constant engagement with implementing agencies in government departments as well as private sector
Technical expertise in research based advocacy
Strategic joint interventions at basin level with basin-wise partners
Project context: What is the current situation

Stakeholders and potential role in the TROSA Phase-2: Including stakeholders mapping and power analysis (not in detail for inception phase)
The Stakeholder mapping for the proposed studies will be done in the inception phase. It will broadly encompass community leaders, women, government departments, the private sector, among others.
External context: Challenges and opportunities
The indigenous communities in the Khasi and Garo Hills of Meghalaya are quite interested in trade with Bangladesh as these hillsare rich in natural resources. However, the poor road infrastructure and non-functional customs stations in those areas make trade an expensive affair because of high logistics costs. Waterways could be an easy alternative to road transport if supported by necessary infrastructure, regulations and facilities. For this, the stakeholders (in both countries) need to be consulted, the potential benefits of using waterways should be gauged and the competent agencies in both countries should agree upon operationalizing it. The opportunity lies in the interest of indigenous communities and traders and the challenge is to get approval from both the governments and its operationalization.
With regard to Teesta, Bangladesh has been demanding a water-sharing agreement with India as the lean season flow is very low and affects millions of farmers downstream and their livelihoods. It is to be noted that summer irrigated rice is quite popular in Bangladesh and eastern India which has elevated the water demand. To develop a sustainable solution to the crisis a proper understanding of the Water-Energy-Food-Ecosystem nexus is essential and it is pertinent to generate such evidence fromIndia and Bangladesh. The challenge is that Teesta water is a politically sensitiveissue in both countries and hence the ‘transboundary’ element of the study is to be discussed prudently with all stakeholders.
The external challenge that could impact the initial interventions planned in the inception phase is the spread of the Pandemicand possible travel/meeting restrictions.
o Internal context: Strengths we can rely on and weaknesses we should address

The strengths are already mentioned under the head ‘Existing Capacities’. Given ICIMOD’s expertise in WEFE nexus studies, CUTS willwork in closely with ICIMOD in developing the research plan.

The capacities of the local institutions in these subjects/topics need to be developed to generate an informed discussion.