Govt Presses B'desh on Review of Ganga Treaty

In post-Pahalgam squeeze, India says it needs more water for growth

- JITENDRA CHOUBEY @New Delhi

AFTER the suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack, the government has now decided to renegotiate the Ganga River Water Treaty with Bangladesh, which is set to expire next year.

India has communicated to its counterpart that it requires more water to meet its developmental needs. The new treaty will likely be shorter, lasting 10 to 15 years. The shorter duration will foster flexibility and adaptability for both nations moving forward.

The Ganga Water Treaty was signed on December 12, 1996 on sharing of water, particularly around the Farakka Barrage during the lean season.

"Before Pahalgam, we were inclined to extend the treaty for another 30 years, but the situation changed drastically afterward," stated a senior officer at the Ministry of External Affairs who participated in a meeting with the Bangladeshi counterpart earlier in May.