Ganga Treaty Renewal: Mamata's Veto, Bangladesh's Demands Create Tension

• The 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh for Farakka Barrage water sharing expires in December 2026.
• Bangladesh's Padma River is drying up, affecting navigation and irrigation; Bangladesh demands a guaranteed 40,000 cusecs of water.
• West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee's consent is crucial; she previously stalled the Teesta deal and fears impact on Kolkata Port's navigability.
• India faces water stress in the Ganga basin and seeks to include its developmental needs, possibly proposing a shorter treaty duration.
• Both nations are ready for talks, but political complexities and climate change add pressure to renewal negotiations.

Why It Matters: Ganga Water Treaty renewal faces challenges from Bangladesh's demands and Mamata Banerjee's opposition.