Bihar Urges Ganga Treaty Revision Ahead of Expiry

As the 1996 Ganga water-sharing treaty between India and Bangladesh nears its expiration this year, Bihar is demanding that its long-term water security and development needs be formally incorporated into the renewal. Current terms dictate water distribution at the Farakka barrage during the lean season, with specific guaranteed flows for Bangladesh and emergency consultation triggers when levels drop below 50,000 cusecs.

Sanjay Jha, a Janata Dal United member of parliament, argued that the existing framework fails to address Bihar's specific requirements. Leaders from the state are pushing for these regional water resource needs to be prioritized before the bilateral agreement is finalized for the next period.

Editor's note: The brief effectively summarizes the context of the treaty and Bihar's specific demands for inclusion.