Bangladesh and India face Ganges water treaty expiration

Bangladesh is urging India to negotiate a renewal of the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty before it expires on December 12. The bilateral agreement governs dry-season water allocations at the Farakka Barrage, which is located upstream from the Bangladeshi border.

Experts and officials warn that failing to secure a new pact could exacerbate freshwater shortages for over 50 million people in Bangladesh who depend on the river for agriculture and fishing. Environmental concerns have also been raised regarding the impact of reduced water flow on the Sundarbans mangrove forest ecosystem.

In India, political leaders in Bihar are seeking to ensure the state's water security is addressed during renewal negotiations. Representatives from Bihar have argued that the treaty must adequately account for the state's agricultural, industrial, and drinking water requirements within the Ganga basin.