Will consider Bihar’s concerns before Ganga treaty renewal, says Jaishankar - The Hindu

**India’s Ganga‑Padma Water Treaty Renewal to Factor Bihar’s Concerns, Says External Affairs Minister**

New Delhi is preparing to renegotiate the 1996 Farakka‑Ganga water‑sharing treaty with Bangladesh, which is due for renewal later this year. External Affairs Minister **S. Jaishankar** told reporters that the government will “keep Bihar’s concerns in mind” as it finalises the agreement, emphasizing that the interests of all Indian riparian states will be weighed before any concession is made. The treaty, which governs the allocation of the Ganga’s flow to the Padma (the lower stretch of the Ganges in Bangladesh), has long been a source of diplomatic friction, with periodic disputes over water releases from the Farakka Barrage affecting agriculture, fisheries and hydro‑electric projects on both sides of the border.

Bihar, a downstream state that relies heavily on the Ganga for irrigation and drinking water, has raised fears that a renewed pact could further curtail its water availability during the lean season. State officials have demanded guarantees on minimum flow releases to sustain crop cycles and to prevent groundwater depletion. **West Bengal**, another key stakeholder, has also urged the centre to protect its own interests, warning that any perceived bias toward Bangladesh could exacerbate inter‑state tensions. Both states have called for a transparent, data‑driven approach that incorporates real‑time river‑flow monitoring and a clear mechanism for dispute resolution.

Experts, however, remain cautious about the goodwill underpinning the negotiations. Scholars from the Indian Institute of Water Resources note that prior renewals have been marred by “uncertainty” and a lack of enforceable clauses, which could undermine the treaty’s long‑term efficacy. Regional analysts in *New Age BD* point out that Bangladesh’s growing water demand, coupled with climate‑induced variability in monsoon patterns, adds further complexity to the talks. As the deadline approaches, the Indian government faces the twin challenge of honoring its international obligations while safeguarding the water security of Bihar, West Bengal and other upstream states.