Syllabus: GS– II & V: International Relations

Why in the News?

The Ganga Water Treaty, signed in 1996 between India and Bangladesh, is set to expire on 31 December 2026. 

• With political changes in Dhaka and renewed debates over water sharing, the treaty has returned to the spotlight. 
• Its renewal has major implications for India–Bangladesh relations, regional stability, and Northeast India’s security.

Background of the Treaty

The treaty was signed on 12 December 1996 between India and Bangladesh to resolve disputes over water diversion at the Farakka Barrage, built in 1975 in West Bengal.

• The barrage diverts water into the Hooghly River to maintain the navigability of Kolkata Port.
• Bangladesh had raised concerns about reduced downstream flow affecting agriculture and ecology.

India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers, of which the Ganga is the most significant and highly seasonal.

Key Features of the Treaty

• The treaty is valid for 30 years, with review provisions every five years, earlier if either government desires.
• Water sharing is done during the lean season (1 January – 31 May) in 10-day blocks.
• The sharing formula is:
  • If flow is below 70,000 cusecs – water is shared equally.
  • If flow is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs – Bangladesh gets 35,000 cusecs.
  • If flow exceeds 75,000 cusecs – India gets 40,000 cusecs, and the rest goes to Bangladesh.
• An emergency clause mandates consultations if flow falls below 50,000 cusecs.
• A Joint Committee monitors water levels at Farakka and Hardinge Bridge.

The treaty is based on 40 years of historical flow data from 1949 to 1988.

Important Concepts Explained

• Transboundary rivers are rivers that flow across international borders.
• Upstream country (India) controls the river before it enters the downstream country (Bangladesh).
• Lean season refers to the dry months when water flow reduces significantly.
• Cusec is a unit measuring water flow per second.
• Hydraulic leverage means influence due to control over water sources.

Strategic and Diplomatic Significance

• As the upstream nation, India holds natural leverage but must balance it with cooperative diplomacy.
• The treaty supports ecological protection of the Sundarbans, a sensitive delta region.
• It impacts irrigation, drinking water supply, navigation, and power generation in both countries.
• Other water agreements include the Kushiyara River Water Sharing Agreement and the Feni River Memorandum of Understanding, while the Teesta River Agreement remains pending.

The upcoming renegotiation will test India’s water diplomacy and neighbourhood policy under the Neighbourhood First Policy.

Exam Hook: Key Takeaways

• Signed in 1996; expires in 2026.
• Governs dry season sharing at Farakka Barrage.
• India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers.
• Joint monitoring mechanism ensures transparency.
• Example of river water diplomacy in South Asia.

UPSC / APSC Mains Question

Discuss the significance of the Ganga Water Treaty in shaping India–Bangladesh relations. How should India balance hydraulic leverage with cooperative regional diplomacy?

One-line wrap: The Ganga Water Treaty is not just about sharing water, but about sharing trust, stability, and regional peace in South Asia.

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