🔥 Gündem Farakka Treaty: Political Row Erupts Over Water Sharing Dispute

The Farakka Treaty, officially known as the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, is a bilateral agreement between India and Bangladesh that governs the sharing of the Ganga (or Ganges) River waters at the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal, India ³⁷. Signed on December 12, 1996, the treaty primarily focuses on water allocation during the dry season, which typically runs from January 1 to May 31 each year ³⁸.

Historical Context and Purpose

The Farakka Barrage itself is a dam constructed on the Bhagirathi River (a distributary of the Ganga) in India ⁴. Its primary purpose was to divert water to the Hooghly River to improve navigability and protect the Kolkata port from silting ⁸. However, this diversion significantly impacted downstream water flow into Bangladesh, leading to disputes between the two nations ⁴.

To address these water-sharing concerns, a Joint River Commission was established in 1972 following an agreement between Indian Prime Minister Indira Gandhi and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Mujibur Rahman ⁴. This paved the way for the 1996 Farakka Treaty, which aimed to provide a structured framework for water distribution. The treaty was designed to end decades of disputes and establish a formula for dividing the Ganges' flow at Farakka during the crucial dry season ⁸.

Treaty Provisions and Expiry

The 1996 treaty is a 30-year agreement ⁵⁹. It is set to expire in December 2026 ⁵⁶¹⁰. The renewal of the treaty requires mutual consent from both India and Bangladesh ⁶¹⁰.

Current Political Implications

As the December 2026 expiry date approaches, the Farakka Treaty has become a subject of significant political debate, particularly within India.

Bihar's Concerns

A major point of contention has emerged from the Indian state of Bihar. Political parties, such as the Janata Dal (United) (JDU), are advocating against the renewal of the treaty ⁹. Their arguments are primarily centered on the perceived negative impacts of the Farakka Barrage and the existing treaty on Bihar's interests:

• Water Scarcity and Agricultural Needs: Bihar argues that the current treaty compromises its water security and agricultural requirements ⁹. The state's population has grown significantly, increasing demand for water resources ⁹.
• Flooding: Some political voices in Bihar claim that the Farakka Barrage contributes to severe flooding in the state by causing siltation in the riverbeds upstream ³. They suggest that the barrage has led to a substantial amount of high land being converted into low-level riverbeds, displacing populations ².
• Economic Impact: The JDU has highlighted that the barrage has not delivered its promised benefits to Bihar, such as preventing floods and improving irrigation, and instead has exacerbated problems ⁹.

Call for Scrapping or Renegotiation

Given these concerns, there is a strong push from Bihar for the Indian central government to either scrap the Farakka Treaty or renegotiate its terms to better address Bihar's water and flood management issues ³⁹. The state's political leaders are demanding that Bihar's interests be prioritized in any future discussions regarding the treaty ⁹.

Broader Implications

The impending expiry of the Farakka Treaty presents a critical diplomatic challenge for both India and Bangladesh. The outcome of the renewal process will have significant implications for:

• Bilateral Relations: The treaty is a cornerstone of water diplomacy between the two nations ⁷. Its renegotiation or non-renewal could strain diplomatic ties.
• Water Management in the Ganges Basin: The decisions made will affect millions of people dependent on the Ganges River in both countries, influencing agriculture, ecosystems, and livelihoods.
• Regional Politics: The debate highlights the complex interplay between national interests, federal state concerns, and international agreements in water resource management within South Asia.