Ganga Water Treaty: India, Bangladesh Face Climate Change, Politics in Renewal Talks
GS2Polity · Governance · IR· India's bilateral relations· Prelims + Mains·
Why in news
India and Bangladesh are entering renewal talks for the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty as climate change and evolving political dynamics necessitate a broader scope than the original Farakka-centric agreement.
Background
The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty primarily governs water sharing at the Farakka Barrage. Current negotiations aim to address expanded river issues and ecological shifts caused by climate change beyond the original single-point agenda.
Facts for Prelims
- Intl. orgGanga Water Treaty: A bilateral agreement between India and Bangladesh signed in 1996.
- PlaceFarakka Barrage: Located in West Bengal, India, it is the primary point of water diversion under the treaty.
- FactThe treaty is nearing its expiration, prompting a shift from single-point water sharing to multi-river basin management.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how climate change and evolving geopolitical dynamics necessitate a shift from bilateral water-sharing treaties to integrated basin management in the Ganga-Brahmaputra-Meghna river system.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Ecological shift: Impact of glacial retreat and erratic monsoon patterns on transboundary water flow volumes.
- Institutional bottleneck: Need for a joint river basin authority to manage multi-river interdependencies beyond Farakka.
- Diplomatic friction: Balancing domestic water security requirements with regional hydro-diplomacy and climate adaptation goals.
Keywords: Hydro-diplomacy · Transboundary water management · Climate resilience · Basin management · Regional cooperation
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