Govt eyes Ganges Treaty renewal with better terms

Although the future of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty will largely depend on the political relations and mutual understanding between Dhaka and Delhi, the Joint Rivers Commission, Bangladesh is continuing preparatory work for a possible renewal.

A senior official at the water resources ministry said the existing treaty is set to expire in December, making its renewal a politically sensitive issue between the two countries.

"Ultimately, the shape of the next agreement will depend on the relationship and understanding between the two governments," the official said on condition of anonymity.

He added that the ministry and Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) are continuing routine work, while a process is under way to form an expert-level committee from both countries.

"Since the current government took office, only one regular meeting of the JRC has been held, on 8 April in Dhaka. At that meeting, Bangladesh informed India that it had completed preparations to form an expert-level committee for the renewal of the treaty," he said.

He further mentioned that Bangladesh has already nominated four representatives, and the committee will be formed once the Indian side completes its preparations. "The joint expert committee is expected to be formed by mid-June."

Meanwhile, a senior official at the JRC said the government is seeking improved terms compared to the existing arrangement, with efforts under way to introduce new elements.

Mahfuzur Rahman, former director general of the Water Development Board, said no country can unilaterally block the flow of a transboundary river under international law. 

He added, "The United Nations also has established principles aimed at ensuring equity in the use of transboundary rivers." 

"As a result," he said, "Bangladesh and India are likely to reach an agreement on some form of water-sharing arrangement."

He further said the proposed Padma Barrage is crucial for Bangladesh. "If adequate water is not received from the Ganges for any reason, the barrage could help offset the shortage."

Technical committee working on framework

A Bangladeshi technical committee is also working on a framework for future water-sharing arrangements, covering not only the Ganges but also 14 other rivers. 

This committee is assessing the past 30 years of the treaty's impact, changes in the Ganges' flow regime, and shifts in agriculture and river systems driven by climate change. 

Findings from international agencies are also being reviewed. These assessments will be submitted to the government and the expert committee to help shape the next framework.

Meanwhile a Bangladeshi team is currently at Farakka to monitor whether water is being shared under the existing agreement. A new team is scheduled to visit the site on 20 May, while an Indian delegation will travel to the Hardinge Bridge point in Bangladesh.

Bangladesh and India share 54 common rivers, but apart from the Ganges, no water-sharing agreement has yet been signed for any other river. Although long-standing discussions have taken place on the Teesta, no deal has been reached due to objections from West Bengal.

Officials said Bangladesh is expected to formally propose broader water-sharing agreements for 14 rivers, including the Teesta, Dharla, Dudhkumar, Gomti, Khoai, Manu and Muhuri. 

A flashpoint

The Farakka Barrage on the Ganges in West Bengal's Murshidabad district became operational in 1975 and has since remained a key issue in Bangladesh-India relations. In Bangladesh, it is widely linked to river degradation, agricultural stress and flooding.

Following its construction, Maulana Abdul Hamid Khan Bhasani led a historic Long March towards Farakka on 16 May 1976, a day still observed in Bangladesh.

At an event yesterday, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said ties with India would depend on renewal of the deal, urging a negotiated settlement.

On 13 May, Water Resources Minister Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Anee said technical teams were working on the matter. "We expect to review the agreement this year," he said, adding that India is also engaged and the Joint Rivers Commission is in discussions.

"We hope the 30-year agreement will continue," he added.

Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman welcomed the proposed Padma Barrage but said it cannot replace Teesta water rights, which must also be ensured.

On 4 May, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met a delegation of Bangladeshi journalists in Delhi and said Indian experts would take part in the review for renewal of the treaty.

What is in the treaty

The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was signed on 12 December 1996 in New Delhi by then Bangladesh prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart HD Deve Gowda.

Article 12 states the treaty will remain valid for 30 years and may be renewed thereafter by mutual consent. Under the agreement, during the dry season from 1 January to 31 May, the two countries share the flow of the Ganges at the Farakka point in West Bengal. 

If flow is 70,000 cusecs or less, both receive a 50% share. If flow is 70,000-75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh receives up to 36,000 cusecs, with the remainder going to India. Above 75,000 cusecs, India retains 40,000 cusecs and the rest goes to Bangladesh.

Allocations are calculated on a 10-day basis. The treaty sets guaranteed minimum flows from 11 March to 10 May, when the two countries alternate 10-day guarantees of 35,000 cusecs.