Experts call for guarantee clause in new Ganges water-sharing accord

Policy analysts and water resource experts have recommended that negotiations over a new Ganges water-sharing agreement incorporate binding guarantee clauses to strengthen implementation and dispute resolution mechanisms.

The Ganges, which flows through India before entering Bangladesh, remains a critical source of freshwater for millions of people across both nations. Current water-sharing arrangements have faced criticism from some quarters over enforcement gaps and insufficient protections for downstream users during dry seasons.

Proponents of strengthened treaty language argue that explicit guarantee provisions would establish clearer accountability standards and create more robust frameworks for addressing water allocation disputes. Such measures could include specified minimum flow requirements, monitoring protocols, and predetermined escalation procedures for resolving disagreements between the two countries.

Water security officials in Bangladesh have long emphasized the importance of reliable dry-season flows for agriculture, navigation, and industrial needs. Any revised accord would need to balance the interests of both riparian nations while ensuring predictable access to shared water resources.

The recommendation comes as both countries continue discussions on long-term water management cooperation, with stakeholders stressing that modernized agreements should reflect evolving environmental conditions and population demands across the Ganges basin.