Ganges treaty renewal gets assurances

The renewal of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between Bangladesh and India is expected to move forward, with the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Water Resources being informed on Thursday that strong assurances have been received in this regard.
The information was shared at the first meeting of the committee on the ministry, held at the National Parliament with committee chairman Mohammad Shofiqul Haque Milon MP in the chair.
The 30-year treaty, signed by Bangladesh and India on December 12, 1996, is due to expire in December 2026. Its renewal has become a key water-sharing issue amid concerns over declining dry-season flows, climate change, rising water demand and impacts on downstream ecosystems.
Under the treaty, Ganges water is shared at India's Farakka Barrage during the dry season from January 1 to May 31 each year on the basis of a 10-day schedule.
When the flow is 70,000 cusecs or less, Bangladesh and India receive 50 percent each. If the flow is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh receives 35,000 cusecs and India gets the remainder. When the flow is 75,000 cusecs or more, India receives 40,000 cusecs and Bangladesh gets the remainder.
The committee was also informed that the main implementation work of the Teesta Master Plan is expected to begin next year.
The meeting discussed various initiatives, including advance preparations to prevent river erosion and tree plantation programmes.
It was also informed that the Padma Barrage Project has already been approved by the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC).
A presentation was made before the committee on the overall activities of the Ministry of Water Resources, including ongoing development programmes, project progress, implementation periods and allocations.
According to the presentation, 93 development projects are currently being implemented under the ministry, with Tk 7,832.80 crore allocated for them in the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The committee called for completing the development projects within their stipulated timelines, ensuring proper and efficient use of allocated funds and taking more effective measures to improve public services.