‘Bihar’s concerns on Ganga treaty will be considered’, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• India will consider Bihar’s concerns regarding the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty with Bangladesh.
• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar conveyed this assurance to Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Jha.
• The existing treaty, signed between India and Bangladesh, is scheduled to expire on December 31, 2026.
• Bihar asserts that the treaty has negatively impacted the state's water resources for the past 30 years.

Detailed Insights:

• Sanjay Jha, former Bihar Water Resources Minister, has strongly advocated against the treaty's renewal.
• He characterized the original treaty as a product of the Gujral Doctrine, arguing it did not serve Bihar's interests.
• Inter-ministerial consultations, including participation from Bihar's government, have been ongoing since August 2023.
• Bihar's primary concern is ensuring sufficient water for drinking, irrigation, and industrial supply for its 13 crore population.
• The renewal of this treaty is a significant diplomatic priority for both India and Bangladesh in the current year.
• The article also notes recent challenges in high-level political engagements between India and Bangladesh.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ganga Water Treaty (1996): An agreement between India and Bangladesh governing the sharing of the Ganga River's waters at Farakka.
• Gujral Doctrine: A foreign policy framework emphasizing non-reciprocity and unilateral concessions to smaller neighboring countries.