# India-Bangladesh Farakka Water Treaty renewal debate > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/india-bangladesh-farakka-water-treaty-renewal-debate > Updated: 2026-08-23T11:35:50.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2. Discussions regarding the renewal of the Farakka Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh have intensified as the agreement approaches its December 2026 expiration. Initially, Bihar MP Sanjay Kumar Jha urged the Indian government to halt the treaty's renewal, arguing that the 1996 arrangement has compromised Bihar’s water security, resulting in falling groundwater levels and drinking water shortages in South Bihar. Jha advocated for a new arrangement based on a scientific assessment of the Ganga basin’s needs through 2050. Following these concerns, Bihar state officials met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in New Delhi. Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Chaudhary stated that the state’s interests were overlooked in the original agreement, noting that while much of the water reaching the Farakka Barrage originates in Bihar, the state lacks sufficient water for irrigation, industry, and drinking. Jaishankar reportedly assured the delegation that these concerns would be considered during the renewal process. The discussions also touched upon river projects in Nepal and representation for Bihar in joint project offices. ## Timeline ### 2026-08-23: Bihar officials raise water rights concerns ahead of Ganges treaty renewal Bihar officials are seeking to address water rights concerns at the Farakka Barrage as the India-Bangladesh Ganges water sharing treaty approaches its December expiration. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bihar-officials-raise-water-rights-concerns-ahead-of-ganges-treaty-renewal ### 2026-08-07: Bihar MP Sanjay Kumar Jha urges India to halt renewal of Farakka Water Treaty JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha urged India not to renew the Farakka Water Treaty, citing Bihar’s water shortages and calling for a new, science‑based water‑sharing plan for the Ganga basin. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bihar-mp-sanjay-kumar-jha-urges-india-to-halt-renewal-of-farakka-water-treaty --- Cite as: India-Bangladesh Farakka Water Treaty renewal debate. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/india-bangladesh-farakka-water-treaty-renewal-debate