The Ganga Water Treaty

Introdution

The Ganga, known as the lifeline of India, is one of the most sacred and vital rivers in South Asia. Its waters are essential not only for the spiritual significance they hold for millions of people but also for supporting the agricultural, industrial, and daily needs of the population. The Ganga flows through several states in India and is the primary source of water for more than 400 million people. The river is shared by both India and Bangladesh, which raises questions of its sustainable management and equitable distribution. Over the years, India and Bangladesh have faced numerous challenges concerning the utilization of the river’s water, particularly with the increasing pressure of population growth, climate change, and economic development. This led to the formation of the Ganga Water Treaty, a significant bilateral agreement aimed at resolving the water-sharing dispute between the two countries.

Background of the Ganga Water Treaty

The Ganga, which originates from the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India, flows through India and eventually enters Bangladesh before merging with the Bay of Bengal. It covers a vast area, with its basin encompassing both countries. Historically, both India and Bangladesh relied heavily on the river for their agricultural, industrial, and domestic water needs, making the river an invaluable resource. However, over the years, the growing demand for water, coupled with environmental degradation, pollution, and changing climatic patterns, led to tensions between the two countries.

The dispute over the water-sharing arrangements can be traced back to the early 20th century, but it gained significant international attention in the 1980s and 1990s. Both India and Bangladesh recognized the need to address this issue to prevent a full-scale conflict and ensure the equitable and sustainable use of the Ganga’s water resources. This led to the signing of the Ganga Water Treaty.

Historical Evolution of Water Diplomacy Between India and Bangladesh

• The water-sharing concerns between India and Bangladesh did not emerge overnight.
• Even before Bangladesh gained independence in 1971, the issue of Ganga waters was a topic of concern between India and East Pakistan.
• During the British colonial period, water management was more centralized and lacked consideration of transboundary implications. However, the post-partition years saw both countries diverge in their developmental priorities.
• After the Farakka Barrage was commissioned by India in 1975 to divert water to the Hooghly River for flushing out sediments and ensuring navigability of the Kolkata port, Bangladesh began to experience a sharp reduction in water flow, particularly during dry months.
• This led to severe consequences in Bangladesh’s southwestern region, including desertification, salinity intrusion, and agricultural distress.
• In response, the two nations attempted several short-term water-sharing agreements before arriving at the more durable and comprehensive Ganga Water Treaty of 1996, signed by Indian Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

India-Bangladesh Major River Treaties

Treaty/Agreement	River Involved	Year Signed	Duration	Nature of Agreement
Ganga Water Treaty	Ganga	1996	30 years	Binding treaty
Teesta Agreement (Pending)	Teesta	Negotiation stage	Not signed	Proposed interim agreement
Farakka Accord	Ganga	1977	5 years	Temporary sharing framework

Key Provisions

The Ganga Water Treaty, officially known as the “Treaty on the Sharing of Ganga Waters,” was signed between India and Bangladesh in 1996. The treaty was designed to resolve the water-sharing dispute over the Ganga River and promote cooperation between the two countries for the optimal and sustainable use of the river’s water.

The primary objectives of the treaty are:

1. Equitable Distribution of Water:
   • One of the central provisions of the treaty is the equitable sharing of the river’s waters between the two nations. This includes the distribution of the Ganga’s water during the lean season (from January to May), when the water flow is lower, and the peak season (from June to December), when the river experiences its highest flow.
2. Fixed Allocation of Water:
   • Under the treaty, the water distribution is fixed as follows:
     • India is allocated 40% of the Ganga’s water, while Bangladesh is allocated the remaining 60%. This allocation is based on the average flow of the river during the lean season, taking into account the historical flow data.
3. Joint River Commission (JRC):
   • The treaty established the Joint River Commission, comprising officials from both India and Bangladesh. The commission is tasked with monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the treaty, resolving disputes, and proposing measures for further cooperation between the two nations. It also works towards the exchange of hydrological data, ensuring that both countries are aware of the river’s flow conditions.
4. Dispute Resolution Mechanism:
   • The treaty provides a framework for resolving any disputes that may arise over the allocation of water. The JRC plays a crucial role in this process, facilitating dialogue and cooperation to reach an amicable resolution.
5. Construction of Barrages and Dams:
   • The treaty includes provisions for the construction and operation of barrages and dams on the river. Both countries agree to construct these structures in a manner that does not harm the interests of the other party. For example, India’s Farakka Barrage, built in the 1960s, diverts water from the Ganga to the Hooghly River, ensuring navigability in West Bengal but affecting the water flow to Bangladesh. The treaty aims to manage such projects in a balanced manner to avoid negative impacts on water-sharing agreements.
6. Monitoring of Water Quality:
   • A lesser-known but important provision of the treaty is the commitment to maintaining the water quality of the Ganga. Both countries agree to take measures to prevent pollution and ensure the river’s water quality remains fit for drinking, irrigation, and other essential uses.

Strategic Importance of the Treaty

1. Regional Stability:
   • The treaty marked a turning point in bilateral relations. It not only reduced tensions over water sharing but also opened avenues for broader cooperation in trade, border security, and cultural exchanges.
2. Water Security:
   • As both countries depend heavily on agriculture, securing a predictable and fair share of water during the lean season helps in long-term planning of crop cycles, irrigation, and food security.
3. International Recognition:
   • The treaty is recognized globally as a successful case of transboundary water cooperation, often cited in international environmental diplomacy and river basin management studies.

Ecological Impact and Environmental Concerns

Despite its strategic success, the Ganga Water Treaty does not sufficiently address ecological sustainability. Issues include:

• Reduced Sediment Flow:
  • The construction of barrages has disrupted the natural sediment flow, impacting soil fertility downstream.
• Salinity Intrusion:
  • Lower water flow into Bangladesh during lean months allows saline water from the Bay of Bengal to intrude further inland, affecting agriculture and drinking water sources.
• Loss of Biodiversity:
  • Aquatic species such as the Ganges river dolphin have been affected due to habitat fragmentation and water quality degradation.

These environmental impacts underscore the need to expand the treaty to include ecological flow requirements, ensuring the river remains healthy for both people and nature.

Key Facts of the Ganga Water Treaty (1996)

Feature	Description
Treaty Name	Ganga Water Sharing Treaty
Signed On	December 12, 1996
Duration	30 years (Valid till 2026)
Countries Involved	India and Bangladesh
Major River	Ganga (Padma in Bangladesh)
Lean Season Period	January 1 to May 31 (most crucial for water sharing)
Water Division Mechanism	Based on a 10-day interval flow calculation using an agreed formula
Monitoring Mechanism	Joint Committee (India-Bangladesh) formed to oversee implementation

Challenges and Issues Post-Treaty

Although the Ganga Water Treaty laid down the foundation for cooperative management of the river, it has not been without challenges. Some of the primary issues and concerns include:

1. Water Scarcity and Population Growth:
   • Over the decades, the population in both India and Bangladesh has increased significantly, which has led to a rise in demand for water. This, coupled with erratic rainfall patterns and changes in the river’s flow, has made it increasingly difficult to meet the water needs of both countries.
2. Impact of Climate Change:
   • Climate change has had a profound impact on the Ganga River system, with erratic rainfall, melting glaciers, and increased frequency of floods and droughts. This has led to unpredictable water flows, complicating the implementation of the treaty. Both countries face challenges in adapting to these changes, which affect the river’s water availability.
3. Pollution and Environmental Degradation:
   • The Ganga faces severe pollution challenges, with untreated sewage, industrial effluents, and religious offerings being dumped into the river. This not only impacts the water quality but also affects the health of those who depend on the river for drinking and agriculture. Efforts to clean the river have been slow, and the treaty does not directly address pollution management, which remains a critical issue.
4. Unilateral Actions:
   • At times, both countries have been accused of taking unilateral actions that affect the water-sharing agreement. For example, India’s construction of the Farakka Barrage in the 1960s caused a significant reduction in water flow to Bangladesh, leading to tensions. Similarly, Bangladesh has raised concerns over the withdrawal of water for irrigation purposes, which impacts downstream water availability.
5. Unequal Economic Development:
   • The economic development in both countries is unequal, with Bangladesh experiencing rapid growth in some regions and India facing economic disparities in its eastern states. This uneven development impacts the demand for water and adds to the complexities of implementing the treaty fairly.

Recent Developments and the Future of the Treaty

Despite the challenges, both India and Bangladesh have made efforts to address the concerns arising from the treaty. Recent developments indicate a growing commitment to cooperative water management. The Joint River Commission has continued its work to monitor the Ganga’s flow and resolve disputes, and both countries have expressed their willingness to enhance bilateral cooperation for water-sharing.

In 2018, during the visit of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to India, both nations agreed to further strengthen their cooperation on water management. This includes increased collaboration on flood management, sharing of hydrological data, and the construction of new infrastructure projects that benefit both countries.

Moreover, India has taken significant steps to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga through the Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014. While the program primarily focuses on cleaning the river and preserving its ecosystem, it also complements the provisions of the treaty by ensuring that the Ganga’s water remains clean and accessible for both India and Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The Ganga Water Treaty remains a crucial document for managing one of the most vital transboundary rivers in the world. While it has successfully addressed several challenges in water sharing, the evolving dynamics of population growth, climate change, and pollution present new hurdles. The treaty’s success depends not only on the commitment of both India and Bangladesh but also on their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The future of the Ganga, and the millions of people who depend on it, hinges on continued cooperation, innovation, and a shared commitment to the sustainable management of this precious resource.

The Ganga Water Treaty stands as a testament to the importance of international cooperation in managing shared natural resources, offering lessons for other nations facing similar challenges in the management of transboundary water resources. The river that flows through the hearts of millions of people must continue to be a symbol of collaboration and mutual benefit.