Indian MEA details West Bengal inclusion in internal review of Ganges Treaty

Regarding the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty beyond 2026, the Indian External Affairs Ministry on Friday said    a communication was received from West Bengal on 5 April 2024 indicating its drinking water and industrial water requirements for inclusion in the Treaty beyond 2026.

This requirement was reiterated by the representative from West Bengal, who participated in the last meeting of the Committee held on 31 May, 2024.

The required preparatory work for renewal of the Treaty was therefore conducted by the Indian Ministry of Water Resources in consultation with the stakeholders, including the State Government of West Bengal, according to MEA.

In the next step,the ministry formed a Joint Technical Committee to initiate discussions between India and Bangladesh on renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty.

Bangladesh and India signed a Treaty on December 12, 1996 for sharing of the Ganga/Ganges waters (which is measured) at the Farakka barrage during the lean season.

This Treaty is valid for thirty years and therefore due for renewal in 2026.

An internal committee was constituted by the Ministry of Jal Shakti on July 24, 2023, for carrying out an internal review of the Treaty. Concerned stakeholders include the Govt. of Bihar as well as West Bengal, whose representatives have been included as members in this Committee.

The Government of West Bengal nominated their representative to the Committee on 25 August 2023.

The internal committee has held four meetings so far: on 22 August 2023, 30 October 2023, 15 March 2024, and 31 May 2024. It submitted its final report on 14 June 2024, which is under examination by the Ministry of Water Resources.

The Government of West Bengal has been represented by either the Joint Secretary, Irrigation & Waterways Department or by the Chief Engineer (Design & Research), Irrigation and Waterways Department in three of the four meetings, i.e. the Govt. of West Bengal representative participated in all three meetings held after nomination was received.