Now Reading: JD(U) Seeks Review of Farakka Treaty Before December Renewal
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JD(U) Seeks Review of Farakka Treaty Before December Renewal
JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has urged the Centre not to renew the 1996 Farakka water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh in its current form. Raising the matter in the Rajya Sabha, Jha said…
The Story in Brief
JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has urged the Centre not to renew the 1996 Farakka water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh in its current form. Raising the matter in the Rajya Sabha, Jha said Bihar’s water needs must be assessed before any fresh arrangement is signed. The treaty expires on December 12, 2026.
Jha cited falling groundwater levels in parts of south Bihar and recurring shortages of drinking and irrigation water. He said Bihar would need an additional 2,000 cusecs by 2050, while the existing proposal provides much less. The treaty governs lean-season Ganga water sharing at the Farakka Barrage, built to support the Hooghly’s flow and Kolkata port’s navigability.
The Indian Opinion
The easy narrative is that Bihar is simply opposing Bangladesh, while another is that any treaty review threatens India’s regional ties. Neither captures the stated case. JD(U) is asking for a basin-wide scientific assessment and safeguards for Bihar, not an immediate end to water sharing. The real test is whether the Centre publishes credible needs data, including the projected 2,000 cusecs, before December 12, 2026.
Source: timesnownews.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the source linked above.
