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Politics
Bihar urges New Delhi to scrap Farakka water treaty, raising diplomatic dilemma
✍️ The Indian Express
🗓 25 Aug 2026, 09:53 AM
👁 6
The Bihar state government has formally asked the centre to terminate the 1996 Farakka water‑sharing pact with Bangladesh, citing concerns over the river’s flow in the state.
Bihar’s administration submitted a formal request to the Union government demanding the cancellation of the 1996 Farakka water‑sharing agreement with Bangladesh. The state argues that the treaty limits the amount of water reaching the Ganga within its borders, affecting irrigation and drinking‑water supplies.
State officials contend that the existing arrangement, negotiated decades ago, no longer reflects current hydrological realities or Bihar’s growing water needs. They warn that continued adherence to the pact could exacerbate water stress for millions of residents.
New Delhi now faces a diplomatic quandary. While it must address Bihar’s grievances, it also seeks to preserve stable bilateral relations with Bangladesh, a key partner in trade and regional security. Any move to alter the treaty could trigger negotiations at the international level, making the centre’s response a delicate balancing act.
State officials contend that the existing arrangement, negotiated decades ago, no longer reflects current hydrological realities or Bihar’s growing water needs. They warn that continued adherence to the pact could exacerbate water stress for millions of residents.
New Delhi now faces a diplomatic quandary. While it must address Bihar’s grievances, it also seeks to preserve stable bilateral relations with Bangladesh, a key partner in trade and regional security. Any move to alter the treaty could trigger negotiations at the international level, making the centre’s response a delicate balancing act.