Context:
India and Bangladesh have commenced joint water measurements on the Ganga (India) and Padma (Bangladesh) rivers as the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty (1996) enters its final year. The initiative reflects continued bilateral cooperation in transboundary water management.
Key Highlights:
• Treaty Background
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The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was signed in December 1996 for a duration of 30 years (1996–2026).
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It governs dry season (January–May) water sharing at the Farakka Barrage.
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Designed to ensure equitable distribution of water between India and Bangladesh.
• Ongoing Joint Measurements (2025–26)
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Measurements being conducted from January 1 to May 31.
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Monitoring locations:
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3,500 feet upstream of Hardinge Bridge on the Padma River (Bangladesh).
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Farakka point on the Ganga River (India).
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Data collection to assess flow levels during lean season.
• Significance of Monitoring
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Ensures transparency and trust-building between the two nations.
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Helps verify treaty compliance and operational effectiveness.
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Assists in planning for climate variability and increasing water demand.
Relevant Prelims Points:
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Ganga River:
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Originates from the Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand) as Bhagirathi.
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Enters Bangladesh as the Padma River.
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Farakka Barrage (West Bengal):
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Commissioned in 1975.
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Diverts water into the Hooghly River to maintain Kolkata Port.
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Hardinge Bridge:
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Located in Bangladesh over the Padma River.
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Treaty provides a formula-based sharing arrangement during the dry season (Jan–May).
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India and Bangladesh share 54 transboundary rivers.
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Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) established in 1972 for water cooperation.
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Transboundary water governance involves principles of:
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Equitable and reasonable utilisation
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No significant harm (Helsinki Rules, UN Watercourses Convention principles).
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Relevant Mains Points:
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GS 2 (International Relations):
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Water diplomacy as a pillar of India–Bangladesh bilateral relations.
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Treaty seen as a successful example of cooperative river basin management in South Asia.
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Expiry in 2026 presents opportunity for renegotiation amid climate change realities.
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GS 1 (Geography):
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Importance of the Ganga–Brahmaputra delta system for agriculture and ecology.
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Impact of lean-season flows on sedimentation, salinity intrusion, and livelihoods.
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Governance & Environmental Concerns:
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Need for adaptive water-sharing frameworks considering glacial melt and erratic monsoons.
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Balancing upstream developmental needs with downstream ecological sustainability.
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Strategic Importance:
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Water cooperation strengthens broader ties including trade, connectivity, and security cooperation.
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• Way Forward:
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Initiate timely negotiations for post-2026 treaty framework.
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Expand cooperation to include basin-wide management approach.
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Integrate climate change projections into water allocation formulas.
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Strengthen data-sharing mechanisms and real-time hydrological monitoring.
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Promote joint river conservation and pollution control initiatives.
UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS 1: River systems, transboundary rivers
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GS 2: India–Bangladesh relations, water diplomacy
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GS 3: Water resource management, climate change
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Prelims: Ganga River system, Farakka Barrage, Joint Rivers Commission, Treaty provisions