Top News

The issue of the Farakka Water Treaty has once again heated up Bihar politics, creating a stir from Delhi to Patna. Janata Dal United (JDU) National Executive President and Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has placed a significant demand before the central government. He has clearly stated that the 1996 Ganga water sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh should not be renewed in its current form. He argues that the 30-year term of this agreement is about to expire on December 12, 2026. Therefore, before signing a new agreement, a fresh scientific assessment of the future needs of all states dependent on the Ganga basin, including Bihar, should be made.

The 30-year-old agreement expires on December 12, 2026.

It should be noted that on December 12, 1996, a significant agreement was reached between India and Bangladesh regarding the sharing of the Ganges waters. This treaty involves the sharing of the Ganges River waters at the Farakka Barrage, with a timeframe of exactly 30 years. Under this agreement, water is distributed based on a fixed formula between January 1 and May 31 each year during periods of low water (drought or summer). This entire arrangement is overseen by a joint committee of the two countries. According to Article XII of the agreement, its duration is 30 years and can only be extended with mutual consent. This is why the end of 2026 is considered extremely important in terms of water diplomacy between India and Bangladesh.

Why did Sanjay Jha raise the big question of Bihar’s rights?

MP Sanjay Kumar Jha’s argument is clear: the geographical and water- conditions of Bihar have completely changed from the water availability and needs that were created three decades ago. According to him, groundwater levels are steadily falling in many districts of South Bihar, leading to a significant increase in dependence on the Ganges River for drinking water and irrigation.

He raised his voice in Parliament, stating that it is crucial to conduct a scientific survey of the water needs of the Ganga basin states, including Bihar, by the year 2050. According to him, Bihar alone will desperately need approximately 2,000 cusecs of additional water to meet its future minimum needs.

What was the real purpose of building Farakka Barrage?

Furthering Sanjay Jha’s arguments, Bihar’s renowned geographer, Professor RB Singh, explains that the Farakka Barrage was originally constructed to ensure adequate water flow to Kolkata Port and the Hooghly River. However, the subsequent agreement signed on December 12, 1996, has had a significant adverse impact on Bihar’s water security. Experiences over the past 30 years have clearly shown that during the dry season, Bihar’s farmers and the general public face severe water shortages.

Sanjay Jha also alleges that Bihar’s long-term interests were not adequately considered during the 1996 treaty. In fact, the agreement did not directly allocate water to Bihar, but rather established a water quota between India and Bangladesh at the Farakka River. Consequently, Bihar’s water issue has now become a matter of a larger river basin and better water management.

Difference between demand of 2,000 cusecs of water and recommendation of 900 cusecs

Two different figures are currently being widely discussed regarding Bihar’s future water needs. Citing the Bihar government’s official assessment in Parliament, Sanjay Jha has demanded approximately 2,000 cusecs of additional water. On the other hand, according to a report released in 2026, an internal committee formed to review the Farakka Agreement recommended providing 900 cusecs of water during the lean season (water-poor months) to Bihar’s drinking water and industrial needs. The significant difference between these two figures clearly indicates that more detailed studies are needed to understand Bihar’s actual water needs.

Bihar is facing the twin crisis of flood and drought.

Bihar’s water crisis isn’t limited to a mere water shortage; the state grapples with a dual crisis. While areas of North Bihar are devastated by severe floods every year, many districts in South Bihar face a severe drinking water and groundwater crisis during the summer and lean seasons.

The Bihar government has previously raised serious issues to the massive silt buildup at the Farakka Barrage, the natural flow of the Ganga, and water management. The biggest challenge facing Bihar is how to effectively utilize excess water wasted during floods and ensure adequate water for irrigation and drinking during droughts.

What’s next? All eyes on India-Bangladesh relations and climate

India and Bangladesh face the challenge of establishing a new future arrangement before the Farakka Water Treaty expires. In February 2026, the central government informed Parliament that formal negotiations had not yet begun between the two countries regarding the renewal of the agreement. However, reports have subsequently emerged that a technical assessment of water flow and ground realities has begun.

In this context, Sanjay Jha’s demand is no longer limited to Bihar’s regional politics, but is directly linked to India-Bangladesh diplomatic relations, the sharing of Gangetic waters, and the country’s future water security in a changing climate. The Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA) also acknowledged in 2026 that a thorough review of the old 1996 system is the most urgent need today, given changing hydrology and weather patterns.

However, the decision to extend or revamp the Farakka Agreement will no longer be limited to water sharing between the two countries; growing demands from states like Bihar have also become a key part of this national debate. It will be interesting to see how much importance the central government gives to this strong demand from Bihar in upcoming meetings and negotiations with Bangladesh.