Ganges Water Pact Nears End: India-Bangladesh Resume Crucial Talks After 30 Years

• India and Bangladesh have resumed talks on the Ganges water sharing agreement after nearly 30 years, as the 1996 pact expires in December without automatic renewal.
• Bangladesh is concerned about a potential water crisis and strained political relations, sending officials to India while Indian teams visit Bangladesh to assess the situation.
• The 1996 agreement, signed by H.D. Deve Gowda and Sheikh Hasina, outlined water sharing based on Farakka Barrage levels, but Bangladesh alleges insufficient water during peak times.
• Bangladesh seeks more water, a guarantee, and a comprehensive agreement for all 54 rivers, including Teesta, citing impacts on agriculture, fisheries, and the Sundarbans Delta.
• India emphasizes its need for Ganges water for Kolkata Port and power plants, citing reduced availability due to climate change and upstream use, and seeks to revise agreement terms.

Why It Matters: India and Bangladesh are in critical talks to renew the Ganges water sharing agreement expiring soon.