Why in News?
Recently India and Bangladesh have formally initiated high-level talks to renew or renegotiate the pact. The Ganga Water Treaty (1996) is set to expire in December 2026.
Treaty Overview
- Signed December 12, 1996, for 30 years; allows mutual renewal with 5-year reviews or earlier consultations.
- Addresses disputes post-1975 Farakka Barrage construction, which diverts Ganges water to Hooghly River for Kolkata port navigability.
- Covers shared Ganges flows at Farakka (India) and Hardinge Bridge (Bangladesh) during lean/dry season: January 1 to May 31 annually.
Sharing Formula
- Flows measured in cusecs at Farakka in 10-day periods.
- Below 70,000 cusecs: Equal 50:50 split (35,000 each).
- 70,000–75,000 cusecs: Bangladesh fixed at 35,000; India gets rest.
- Above 75,000 cusecs: India up to 40,000; remainder to Bangladesh.
- Below 50,000 cusecs: Emergency consultations required.
Key Institutions
- Joint Rivers Commission (est. 1972) oversees compliance and disputes via diplomatic talks.
- Joint Committee monitors real-time data at both points.
- Based on 1949–1988 flow data (40 years).
Challenges and Context
- India-Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers; Ganges is highly seasonal, affecting Bangladesh's agriculture and delta ecology.
- Climate change, upstream dams, and siltation demand updated, equitable terms.
- Renewal tied to Teesta talks and overall bilateral ties under current leadership.
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