Ganga Water Treaty

By
Rudra Pratap Singh
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Introduction

Water-sharing has long been a contentious issue between India and Bangladesh, with the Ganga River at the heart of these discussions. The Ganga Water Treaty, signed in 1996, was a landmark agreement that sought to ensure equitable distribution of water from the Farakka Barrage, especially during the dry season. However, with the treaty set to expire in 2026, both nations are preparing for critical negotiations to decide the future of their transboundary water management policies.

As Bangladesh seeks a larger share of water to counter severe shortages affecting its agriculture, unresolved disputes over other rivers like the Teesta add further complexity to the upcoming talks. Additionally, climate change, shifting hydrological patterns, and political transitions in Bangladesh could influence the direction of the negotiations.

Background of the Ganga Water Treaty

The Ganga River, one of the largest rivers in the world, has been a lifeline for both India and Bangladesh. However, disputes over its water distribution escalated after India built the Farakka Barrage in 1975 to regulate water flow and reduce silt accumulation in the Hooghly River. Bangladesh, being the lower riparian state, raised concerns that excessive water withdrawal by India during the dry season was causing drought-like conditions, harming its agriculture and environment.

After years of diplomatic efforts, India and Bangladesh signed the Ganga Water Treaty on December 12, 1996, to provide a structured framework for water-sharing. The treaty aimed to balance the needs of both countries while acknowledging historical grievances and ensuring equitable access to the river’s flow.

Key Provisions of the Treaty

The Ganga Water Treaty introduced a scientific and transparent water-sharing formula, particularly for the dry season (January to May) when river flow is at its lowest. The key provisions include:

  • Equitable Water Distribution: If the Ganga’s flow at Farakka Barrage is 70,000 cusecs or less, India and Bangladesh receive equal shares.
  • Guaranteed Minimum Flow: Both countries are ensured a minimum water supply during critical months.
  • Joint Monitoring: A Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) was established to oversee treaty compliance, monitor water flow, and resolve disputes.

The treaty was hailed as a diplomatic success in regional water governance, being the first official water-sharing agreement between the two nations. However, its limitations and growing ecological concerns now call for a more dynamic approach.

Importance of the Upcoming Talks

The 86th round of negotiations, scheduled before the treaty’s expiration in 2026, will be crucial for shaping the future of India-Bangladesh water relations. Some key aspects that make these discussions significant include:

  • A Call for Comprehensive Water Management: Bangladesh is advocating for a broader agreement covering all transboundary rivers, rather than just the Ganga.
  • The Only Functional Water-Sharing Agreement: The Ganga Water Treaty remains the sole active treaty between the two nations, making its renewal essential for regional stability.
  • Potential Impact on Future Agreements: The outcome of these talks could influence negotiations on other major rivers, particularly the Teesta, which remains a major point of contention.

Challenges and Future Considerations

Despite its historical success, the Ganga Water Treaty faces several modern challenges that must be addressed for a sustainable and mutually beneficial renewal:

1. Climate Change and Changing River Dynamics

  • Rising temperatures and glacial melt in the Himalayas are altering Ganga’s seasonal water flow.
  • Unpredictable monsoons are causing erratic water availability, making fixed water-sharing formulas less reliable.

2. Political and Diplomatic Sensitivities

  • Recent political transitions in Bangladesh have increased bilateral tensions, adding uncertainty to negotiations.
  • The Teesta River dispute remains unresolved, with Bangladesh seeking a binding water-sharing agreement while India faces opposition from West Bengal.

3. Legal and Sovereignty Issues

  • If the treaty expires without renewal, India may not be legally obligated to share Ganga waters, potentially escalating diplomatic tensions.
  • International water laws emphasize lower riparian rights, strengthening Bangladesh’s demand for a fairer share of water.

4. Environmental and Humanitarian Impact

  • Changes in Ganga’s flow significantly affect agriculture, fisheries, and biodiversity, especially in the Sunderbans delta, which depends on a steady supply of freshwater.
  • Unregulated water withdrawal could lead to increased salinity, soil erosion, and loss of livelihood for millions.

Geographical and Ecological Context

The Ganga River Basin is not just a political entity but a critical ecological system:

  • It supports over 650 million people across India and Bangladesh.
  • It feeds the fertile Indo-Gangetic Plain, a crucial agricultural hub.
  • It forms the Sunderbans Delta, home to diverse wildlife, including the Royal Bengal Tiger.

Any major disruptions in water flow could have devastating consequences on both human populations and ecosystems, underscoring the urgent need for a sustainable treaty.

The Road Ahead: Towards a Sustainable Agreement

With the 2026 deadline approaching, both countries must work towards a revised water-sharing framework that:

  • Incorporates climate resilience by allowing flexibility in water allocation based on real-time hydrological data.
  • Expands the agreement to include other transboundary rivers beyond the Ganga.
  • Strengthens the Joint Rivers Commission, giving it greater authority to enforce compliance and resolve disputes more effectively.
  • Encourages joint water conservation projects, including river rejuvenation efforts and alternative irrigation techniques.

Conclusion

The Ganga Water Treaty has played a pivotal role in shaping India-Bangladesh water diplomacy over the past three decades. However, with climate change, geopolitical shifts, and increasing water demands, a renewed and comprehensive agreement is needed to ensure equitable and sustainable water-sharing in the future.

The upcoming negotiations offer a crucial opportunity for both nations to strengthen their cooperation, prevent conflicts, and build a long-term water management strategy that benefits millions of people dependent on the Ganga’s lifeline. Whether the treaty is extended, revised, or replaced with a broader framework will define the future of Indo-Bangladeshi water relations in the decades to come.