Renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty – Key Issues
The Ganga Water Treaty is set to expire on 31 December 2026. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar wrote to Janata Dal (U) MP Sanjay Jha assuring that Bihar’s interests will be taken into account before any decision on renewal.
Key Developments
- Jaishankar’s letter (dated 28 August 2024) acknowledges Bihar’s concerns and cites multiple inter‑ministerial consultations held on 22 Aug 2023, 30 Oct 2023, 15 Mar 2024 and 31 May 2024.
- Jha, former Bihar Water Resources Minister (2021‑2024), reiterated that 13 crore people in Bihar need assured water for drinking, irrigation and industry for the next 30 years.
- The treaty is linked to the broader diplomatic agenda; recent talks for a Prime Ministerial visit by Bangladesh’s Tarique Rahman stalled after a virtual press conference by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Important Facts
• The treaty was signed during the first term of Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 1996, a period often described as the Gujral Doctrine era. • Bihar’s representatives participated in all four consultations, indicating a structured stakeholder approach led by the Jal Shakti Ministry. • Jha argues that data from the past 30 years show a negative impact on Bihar’s water security, urging the treaty to be allowed to lapse.
Exam Relevance
Understanding this issue helps aspirants in multiple papers: GS2 (India‑Bangladesh relations, treaty negotiations, federal‑state dynamics), GS3 (water resource management, inter‑state water disputes), and GS4 (ethical considerations of balancing national and regional interests). The case illustrates how diplomatic agreements intersect with domestic politics and resource allocation.
Way Forward
The government is expected to take a decision before the treaty’s expiry on 31 December 2026. Possible scenarios include:
- Renewal with revised water‑sharing norms that address Bihar’s demand for drinking, irrigation and industrial supply.
- Allowing the treaty to lapse, prompting bilateral renegotiations or a new framework under the current political climate.
- Strengthening inter‑ministerial mechanisms to ensure continuous stakeholder engagement, especially from water‑scarce states.
For UPSC preparation, track subsequent statements from the External Affairs Minister and the Jal Shakti Ministry as they will shape the final outcome.