Bangladesh hopes new India treaty signed before December 12 as 30-year agreement expires
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Hydro-diplomacy and transboundary water management: a key GS2 International Relations and Water Security topic.
Why in news
Bangladesh's Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee expressed hope for a new Ganga Water Sharing Treaty with India before the current 30-year agreement expires on December 12, 2026.
Background
The current Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was signed on December 12, 1996, by HD Deve Gowda and Sheikh Hasina. It governs water sharing at the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal during the lean season (January 1 to May 31).
Facts for Prelims
- FactThe current Ganga Water Sharing Treaty is a 30-year agreement expiring in December 2026.
- BodyThe Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) is the bilateral mechanism for discussing water cooperation between India and Bangladesh.
- PlaceThe Ganga River is known as the Padma upon entering Bangladesh, approximately 22 km downstream from the Farakka Barrage.
- PlaceThe Farakka Barrage is located in the Murshidabad district of West Bengal.
- FactThe treaty governs water sharing during the lean season from January 1 to May 31.
Prelims practice question
With reference to the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh, consider the following statements:
- The treaty governs water sharing at the Farakka Barrage during the monsoon season.
- The Ganga River is known as the Padma upon entering Bangladesh.
- The current treaty is a 30-year agreement set to expire in December 2026.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a)1 only
- (b)3 only
- (c)2 and 3 only
- (d)1, 2 and 3
Show answer
Answer: (c) 2 and 3 only — Statements 2 and 3 are correct. Statement 1 is incorrect: The treaty governs water sharing during the lean season from January 1 to May 31.
For Mains
Q. Examine the significance of transboundary water-sharing agreements in fostering bilateral cooperation and regional stability between India and Bangladesh.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Hydropolitical leverage: Balancing domestic agricultural requirements with downstream ecological and water security needs.
- Institutional framework: Role of the Joint Rivers Commission in mediating technical and political water disputes.
- Legal architecture: The demand for restoring 'guarantee clauses' to ensure equitable water distribution.
Keywords: Transboundary water · Hydro-diplomacy · Joint Rivers Commission · Water security · Bilateral cooperation
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.