Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, 1996

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In news : Recently, India and Bangladesh have agreed to set up a Joint Technical committee for optimum utilisation of Ganges water as being received by Bangladesh under the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty 1996. 

Key provisions the Treaty 

• The comprehensive bilateral treaty was signed by the then  Indian Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda and Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed on 12 December 1996 in  New Delhi. 
• The treaty established a 30-year water-sharing arrangement and recognised Bangladesh’s rights as a lower-level riparian
• As per the 1996 treaty for sharing the Ganges waters at Farakka , the division is as follows

• Both nations were able to co-operate in harnessing the water resources
• The treaty also permits the construction of barrages and irrigation projects in Kushtia and the Gorai-Madhumati River in Bangladesh, draining the south-western districts and thus preserving the environment, natural and economic resources
• Joint Committee: The treaty provides for the setting up of a committee consisting of representatives nominated by the two Governments in equal numbers  following the signing of this Treaty. The Joint Committee shall set up suitable teams at Farakka and Hardinge Bridge to observe and record at Farakka the *525 daily flows below Farakka Barrage, in the Feeder Canal, and at the Navigation Lock, as well as at the Hardinge Bridge.
• The Joint Committee shall submit to the two Governments all data collected by it and shall also submit a yearly report to both the Governments.
• Responsibilities of the Joint Committee:
  • It hall be responsible for implementing the arrangements contained in this Treaty and examining any difficulty arising out of the implementation of the above arrangements and of the operation of Farakka Barrage. 
  • Any difference or dispute arising in this regard, if not resolved by the Joint Committee, shall be referred to the Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission. 
  • If the difference or dispute still remains unresolved, it shall be referred to the two Governments 
• Guided by the principles of equity, fairness and no harm to either party, both the Governments agree to conclude water sharing Treaties / Agreements with regard to other common rivers.
• Review: The sharing arrangement under this Treaty shall be reviewed by the two Governments at five years’ interval or earlier, as required by either party and needed adjustments, based on principles of equity, fairness, and no harm to either party made thereto, if necessary. 
• It would be open to either party to seek the first review after two years to assess the impact and working of the sharing arrangement as contained in this Treaty.
• For the period of this Treaty, in the absence of mutual agreement on adjustments following reviews as mentioned in Article X, India shall release downstream of Farakka Barrage, water at a rate not less than 90% (ninety per cent) of Bangladesh’s share according to the formula referred to in Article II, until such time as mutually agreed flows are decided upon.

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