Bangladesh pushes to renew Ganges water-sharing treaty with India

With the 30-year treaty on sharing the Ganges' waters with India due to expire on December 12, Bangladesh has initiated moves for a new agreement.

The 1996 treaty governs the sharing of dry-season water at India's Farakka Barrage. There is concern that without renewal, water shortages could worsen, crop output could fall, and the livelihoods of millions could be affected.

Dhaka has said any new agreement should benefit both countries and be grounded in mutual respect. Bangladesh says India has not responded to its renewal request, while India has said river-related matters are handled through the Joint Rivers Commission.

Reduced flow of the Ganges has already hurt paddy and wheat production in the drought-prone Barind region. Local residents say farmers and fishing communities have been hit hard as water levels and fish stocks in the river decline.