World · India Bureau
Bihar's interests at risk in India-Bangladesh water-sharing pact renewal
A prominent Bihar politician has raised concerns about the proposed renewal of the Ganga Waters Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh, warning it may not serve the state's developmental needs. The two nations have yet to initiate final negotiations before the agreement's expiration at year-end 2026.
LSN India ·
Sanjay Jha, a senior leader of Bihar-based political party JD(U), has voiced apprehensions regarding the renewal of the Indo-Bangladesh Ganga Waters Sharing Treaty, asserting that the proposed terms do not adequately protect the interests of his home state. His comments underscore growing regional concerns about how water-sharing agreements with neighbouring nations affect Bihar's agricultural and developmental priorities.
The treaty, originally signed in 1996, governs the allocation and management of Ganga river waters between the two countries during lean seasons. With the current agreement set to expire on December 31, 2026, both nations are expected to enter into renegotiations to finalize a fresh arrangement.
However, crucial talks between India and Bangladesh on renewing the treaty have not yet commenced, leaving limited time for substantive discussions before the deadline. The absence of formal negotiations has intensified scrutiny from regional stakeholders, particularly in Bihar, where the Ganga's flow directly impacts irrigation, hydropower generation, and navigation.
Experts note that water treaties with Bangladesh typically involve complex discussions around seasonal flow distribution, environmental considerations, and competing developmental needs across multiple Indian states. The delay in initiating renewal talks has prompted policymakers and regional leaders to demand greater consultation with affected states before New Delhi finalizes any new agreement.