In the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty, the Indian government is now turning its attention to another key water-sharing agreement–the Ganga River Water Treaty with Bangladesh.

The treaty, signed in 1996 and due to expire next year, is now poised for renegotiation with a markedly different approach.

According to an exclusive report published by The Sunday Standard, India has already conveyed to Bangladesh its intent to revise the treaty, citing the growing necessity to meet the country’s developmental water demands.

Government sources indicate that the new agreement is likely to span a shorter term of 10 to 15 years, a significant shift from the existing 30-year framework.

This shortened duration is being considered to allow for greater flexibility and adaptability in response to evolving domestic and environmental conditions.

The original Ganga Water Treaty, signed on December 12, 1996, laid out the terms for water sharing during the lean season–particularly in the area surrounding the Farakka Barrage, a critical infrastructure point for eastern India.

At the time, it was seen as a landmark in bilateral cooperation, especially concerning transboundary water governance. However, the situation on the ground has changed considerably in recent years.

A senior official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, who participated in bilateral discussions with Bangladesh earlier in May, said the attack in Pahalgam had altered New Delhi’s strategic outlook.

“Before Pahalgam, we were inclined to extend the treaty for another 30 years, but the situation changed drastically afterward,” the official stated.

While the meeting was a routine interaction held twice a year, it provided India an opportunity to raise concerns about rising water demands tied to infrastructure and domestic development.

Internal documents reviewed by The Sunday Standard indicate that the Farakka Barrage was originally designed to divert 40,000 cusecs of water into a feeder canal serving the Kolkata Port Trust–now Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port, Kolkata.

However, the 1996 treaty altered this flow pattern, which Indian officials argue has resulted in engineering and environmental challenges.

These include slope failures, bed erosion, and significant siltation, all of which have affected the port’s navigability and raised alarms over a potential water crisis at a nearby NTPC thermal power plant.

Under the current arrangement, the treaty provides each country 35,000 cusecs of water alternately for ten-day periods during the lean season from March 11 to May 11.

India is now pushing for an increase of 30,000 to 35,000 cusecs during the same time window, arguing that the additional supply is essential for sustaining critical infrastructure and urban needs in the region.

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