Will Bangladesh face severe water shortages like Pakistan? A 30-year treaty’s collapse threatens chaos in Dhaka, and leaders are already expressing concern.

Ganga Water Treaty: The expiration of the Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh, in effect for years, is approaching. Diplomatic pressure is being observed between the two countries over this issue. On Saturday, May 16, 2026, a political leader issued a strong message to the Indian government, stating that the treaty should be reinstated. Good relations with India will depend on this treaty. Let’s understand what the Ganga Water Treaty is and how much water India provides to Bangladesh under it.

What is the Ganga Water Treaty?

It is noteworthy that the historic water treaty between India and Bangladesh was signed in December 1996. It was signed in Delhi by the then Indian Prime Minister and the Bangladeshi Prime Minister.

This treaty was implemented for 30 years, with an agreement that from January to May, the water of the Ganga River at the Farakka Barrage would be fairly divided between the two countries. The treaty is set to expire on December 30, 2026. There is uncertainty regarding its renewal.

How is the water divided?

The Ganga Treaty governs the sharing of water from the Farakka Barrage between India and Bangladesh during dry or low-flow periods. According to the treaty, if the water flow at the Farakka Barrage is 70,000 cusecs or less, both countries receive 50-50 percent of the water. If the flow is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh receives 35,000 cusecs, and the remaining water goes to India. If the flow exceeds 75,000 cusecs, India retains 40,000 cusecs, and the rest of the water is given to Bangladesh.

Bangladesh’s stance on the treaty

A political leader in Bangladesh said to India, ‘We want to give a clear message to the Indian government that, in line with the expectations and needs of the people of Bangladesh, a new Ganga Water Treaty should be implemented immediately through discussions. Our good relations with India will depend on whether this treaty is renewed or not.’ This statement from the Bangladeshi leader comes at a time when, just a few days ago, the Bangladeshi government approved the construction of a mega barrage project on the Padma River. In fact, the Ganga River is called the Padma in Bangladesh. According to Dhaka, it is building this barrage to neutralize the negative effects of India’s Farakka Barrage. Bangladesh alleges that this barrage reduces the water flow during the dry season in its country, increasing salinity in its coastal areas. Meanwhile, India has always maintained that the Farakka Barrage was activated in 1972 to divert water flow into the Hooghly River to clear silt and protect the Kolkata Port.

Farakka Barrage

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Ganga Water Treaty

The Ganga Water Treaty, signed in 1996 between India and Bangladesh, is a bilateral agreement that governs the sharing of the Ganges River’s waters at the Farakka Barrage. It was established to address long-standing disputes over water distribution, particularly during the dry season, and aims to ensure equitable and reliable water flow for both countries. The treaty, which has a 30-year duration with provisions for review, represents a significant diplomatic achievement in managing transboundary water resources in South Asia.

Farakka Barrage

The Farakka Barrage is a dam constructed across the Ganges River in West Bengal, India, completed in 1975 to divert water into the Hooghly River and maintain navigability at the Kolkata Port. Its construction has been a major source of political and environmental tension between India and Bangladesh, as it significantly reduces downstream water flow, causing ecological and agricultural challenges. The project remains a key example of transboundary water disputes in South Asia.

Padma River

The Padma River is a major river in Bangladesh, formed by the confluence of the Ganges and Jamuna rivers. It has historically been a vital waterway for trade and transportation in the Bengal region, and its dynamic, shifting course has shaped the landscape and livelihoods of millions. The river is also deeply embedded in Bengali culture and literature, often symbolizing both beauty and the relentless power of nature.

Hooghly River

The Hooghly River, a distributary of the Ganges in West Bengal, India, has been a vital waterway for centuries, serving as a major trade route for European colonial powers like the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British. Its banks are home to the historic city of Kolkata, which grew into a prominent port and commercial hub under British rule. The river also holds cultural significance, with landmarks like the Dakshineswar Kali Temple and the iconic Howrah Bridge spanning its waters.

Kolkata Port

Kolkata Port, officially known as the Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, is India’s oldest operating port, established by the British East India Company in 1870. Located on the Hooghly River, it served as the primary gateway for trade during the colonial era, fueling the economic growth of Kolkata and the entire eastern region. Despite challenges from silting and the rise of other ports, it remains a vital hub for cargo and a key symbol of the city’s maritime heritage.

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