As the 30-year Ganga (Ganges) water sharing pact with Bangladesh, which was signed in 1996, nears its expiration in 2026, India is thinking of amending its terms. India is pushing for a revision and potential reset of the pact for a number of reasons:
To fulfill the expanding demands of West Bengal and its neighboring states, India is looking for an extra 30,000–35,000 cusecs of water during the crucial dry season, which runs from January to May. Drinking water, industrial use, irrigation, preserving Kolkata Port’s navigability, and producing hydroelectric power have all resulted in a sharp rise in the demand for water.
The West Bengal administration has already informed the central government of its future water needs, highlighting the inadequacy of the current treaty provisions to meet the region’s demands.
The amount and type of water used in India have changed since the treaty was signed. Water stress has increased as a result of rapid industrialization, urbanization, and agricultural growth. Furthermore, the original water-sharing calculation, which was based on historical averages, is no longer as accurate due to the unpredictable river flows brought on by climate change. The necessity for a more adaptable and climate-resilient pact that can handle harsh circumstances and varying water supplies is now acknowledged by both parties.
A more significant change in India’s stance toward transboundary water agreements is indicated by the country’s recent decision to halt the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. India wants to make sure that its own strategic interests are safeguarded in any future water-sharing agreement, especially as Bangladesh’s interim administration is forging deeper connections with China. Additionally, rather than another 30-year commitment, New Delhi prefers a shorter-term deal (10–15 years) that permits frequent assessments and revisions.
Citing statistics showing that it did not receive its fair share of water during 39 of 60 important periods between 1997 and 2016, Bangladesh has regularly accused India of failing to provide it during critical dry periods, especially in March and April.
Due to the treaty’s lack of a minimum guaranteed flow clause and its reliance on emergency consultations in the event that flows fall below a certain threshold, there have been many disagreements and claims of deficiencies. Because decreased flows endanger the ecosystem of the Sundarbans delta and enhance salinity in both countries, environmental concerns have also been raised.
Since the treaty is “renewable on the basis of mutual consent,” according to Article XII, India has the legal right to demand amendments or even to withdraw if its concerns are not taken into consideration. India has a lot of negotiating power because it is the higher riparian state.
Rising domestic water demands, the effects of climate change, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and ongoing implementation conflicts are all factors in India’s decision to seek amendments to the Ganga water sharing treaty.
In order to ensure a just and sustainable sharing of a vital transboundary river, the upcoming round of discussions will put both nations’ capacity to strike a balance between development priorities and ecological and diplomatic imperatives to the test.
