Kolkata
A crucial meeting of the technical teams from India and Bangladesh under the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC) commenced in Kolkata. The discussions focus on the renewal of the Ganga Water Treaty, which is set to expire in 2026. A Bangladeshi delegation led by Muhammad Abul Hossen arrived in Kolkata earlier and visited the Farakka Barrage to assess water flow.
During their visit, the delegation observed a decline in water flow between January and February, though Hossen confirmed that water-sharing is following the 1996 treaty. Officials from both sides exchanged data on Ganges water levels over the past five months.
The technical teams will hold discussions on March 6 and 7. Additionally, the Bangladeshi delegation is scheduled to meet West Bengal Irrigation Secretary Manish Jain. The meeting is significant for West Bengal, where Ganga waters play a key role in agriculture and port operations.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is expected to have an influential role in the treaty renewal. However, she has opposed the Teesta water-sharing agreement and previously raised concerns about the Ganga Treaty negotiations.
Signed in 1996, the Ganga Water Treaty ensures equitable water distribution between India and Bangladesh. The JRC, established in 1972, oversees water-sharing agreements for the 54 rivers both nations share.