The 1996 Ganga Water Sharing Treaty is a critical agreement between India and Bangladesh to manage the waters of the Ganga River at the Farakka Barrage in West Bengal. This treaty is set to expire in 2026, with the possibility of renewal through mutual consent.
West Bengal's Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has voiced serious concerns regarding the renewal discussions. She emphasizes the necessity for state-level consultation, arguing that the existing treaty has resulted in severe floods, siltation, and erosion within the state, adversely affecting its infrastructure and agricultural productivity.
In 2011, Mamata Banerjee opposed a similar water-sharing deal concerning the Teesta River, claiming it would negatively impact North Bengal. Her administration has continuously stressed the need to safeguard West Bengal's interests in all water-sharing agreements.
Other states, such as Bihar, have also attributed their flooding and erosion problems to the effects of the treaty. In 2016, Bihar's Chief Minister Nitish Kumar called for the removal of the Farakka Barrage, citing its role in exacerbating severe flooding in the region.
Technical discussions are scheduled to commence regarding the renewal of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty. A technical team plans to visit Bangladesh to deliberate on the management of Teesta River waters, aiming for a more comprehensive strategy for water resource management between the two nations.
The renewal of the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty presents significant challenges for West Bengal, particularly concerning state consultation and the treaty's implications for erosion and flooding. Addressing these concerns will require collaborative efforts and a careful evaluation of the interests of all stakeholders involved.
Q1. What is the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty about?
Answer: The Ganga Water Sharing Treaty is an agreement between India and Bangladesh to share the Ganga River's waters at the Farakka Barrage, expiring in 2026.
Q2. Why is West Bengal concerned about the treaty renewal?
Answer: West Bengal is concerned about the lack of state consultation and the treaty's negative impacts, including erosion and flooding.
Q3. What specific issues has West Bengal raised regarding the treaty?
Answer: Key issues include the lack of consultation, ongoing erosion, and unresolved previous dues for dredging the Ganga.
Q4. How does the treaty affect other states like Bihar?
Answer: States like Bihar have cited the treaty as a cause of flooding and erosion, leading to demands for the removal of the Farakka Barrage.
Q5. What are the next steps for the treaty renewal?
Answer: Technical discussions are set to begin, focusing on the management of Teesta River waters to ensure effective water resource management.
Question 1: What year was the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty signed?
A) 1990
B) 1996
C) 2000
D) 2005
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Who is the Chief Minister of West Bengal expressing concerns about the treaty?
A) Mamata Banerjee
B) Nitish Kumar
C) Arvind Kejriwal
D) Shivraj Singh Chouhan
Correct Answer: A
Question 3: What key issue does West Bengal have with the treaty?
A) Financial assistance
B) Lack of consultation
C) Infrastructure development
D) Trade agreements
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which river is primarily discussed in the Ganga Water Sharing Treaty?
A) Yamuna
B) Brahmaputra
C) Ganga
D) Godavari
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is the expected timeline for the treaty renewal discussions?
A) 2023
B) 2026
C) 2025
D) 2024
Correct Answer: A
Question 6: What other river's management is discussed alongside the Ganga in the treaty renewal talks?
A) Yamuna
B) Teesta
C) Godavari
D) Narmada
Correct Answer: B
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