Key points
- Ganga River Water Treaty was signed on Dec 12, 1996
- It was signed for 30 years
- Cutting the flow of water may harm fragile ecosystems, livelihoods
ISLAMABAD: After the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan, India is reportedly gearing up to choke the flow of water to Bangladesh, potentially threatening fragile ecosystems and livelihoods in the south Asian nation.
The Ganga River Water Treaty, signed on December 12, 1996, for 30 years, is set to expire next year.
According to the New Indian Express, India has communicated to its western neighbour that it requires more water to meet its developmental needs.
Diplomatic fallout
However, the diplomatic fallout between New Delhi and Dhaka in the wake of the Sheikh Hasina government’s fall is believed to be behind India’s intention to cut the flow of the Ganges river to Bangladesh.
According to reports in Indian media, the new treaty is likely to be shorter, lasting 10 to 15 years. The shorter duration may give India an upper hand in negotiations in future.
The Ganga Water Treaty revolves particularly around the Farakka Barrage during the lean season.
“Situation changed drastically”
“Before Pahalgam, we were inclined to extend the treaty for another 30 years, but the situation changed drastically afterwards,” the New Indian Express quoted a senior officer at the Ministry of External Affairs as saying, who participated in a meeting with the Bangladeshi counterpart earlier in May.
“It was a routine meeting, held twice a year, but it also provided an opportunity to express our concerns regarding the increasing need for water to support domestic development, which will influence the terms of the new treaty,” the officer explained.
Water sharing
According to internal documents for discussions, seen by the newspaper, the Farakka Barrage was built to continuously divert 40,000 cusecs of water into a feeder canal for the Kolkata Port Trust (now known as Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata).
The current arrangement provides 35,000 cusecs of water alternately for 10 days each to both countries during the lean season, which lasts from March 11 to May 11. India is seeking 30,000 to 35,000 cusecs more during the same period to meet its emerging requirements.
