India–Bangladesh Ganga Water Sharing Treaty (1996)

India–bangladesh Ganga Water Sharing Treaty (1996)

January 8, 2026

Kamaraj IAS Academy

Prelims Plus

The News: Set to expire in December 2026, senior officials are visiting the Farakka Barrage to prepare for renewal negotiations.
Background Data:
The 1996 Treaty: Signed by PM H.D. Deve Gowda and Sheikh Hasina, it established a 30-year formula for sharing water at Farakka during the dry season (January–May).
Farakka Barrage: Located in West Bengal, it was built to divert water into the Hooghly River to flush out silt and keep Kolkata Port navigable.
Key Issues: Bangladesh (lower riparian) often complains of water scarcity during lean months, while West Bengal (India) faces issues like riverbank erosion and siltation.
Transboundary water governance, the "Neighborhood First" policy, and the impact of climate change on Himalayan river flows.