The International Farakka Committee (IFC) has called upon the governments of Bangladesh and India to take decisive action regarding water sharing.
The committee emphasized the pressing need to renew the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty and establish a comprehensive agreement concerning the Teesta River, complete with guarantee and arbitration clauses.
The significance of these treaties cannot be overstated, as they directly impact the sustainable development and well-being of communities along the 54 common rivers shared between the two nations.
The absence of robust agreements, akin to those India has with other neighbouring countries like Nepal and Pakistan, has led to ongoing challenges and strained relations between Bangladesh and India.
It is a matter of historical record that while treaties such as the Indus and Mahakali water agreements have successfully safeguarded mutual interests, the Ganges Water Treaty with Bangladesh has fallen short of expectations.
Since its inception, unilateral water withdrawals and environmental catastrophes have plagued Bangladesh, with the Farakka Barrage serving as a stark symbol of this discord.
Despite past attempts at cooperation, including the signing of a 30-year treaty in 1996, Bangladesh has yet to receive its due share of water from the Ganges.
The lack of guarantee and arbitration clauses in the existing treaty has left Bangladesh vulnerable and unable to address these grievances effectively. As the treaty expires in 2026, urgent action is required to rectify these shortcomings.
Similarly, the unresolved issue of the Teesta River exacerbates the plight of communities dependent on its waters.
Despite assurances and proposed agreements dating back to 2011, the failure to secure a treaty has left Bangladesh at the mercy of seasonal fluctuations and unilateral decisions.
The consequences are dire, with thousands of homes destroyed and significant agricultural losses incurred annually due to erratic water flow and unchecked river management practices.
As both countries strive for economic progress and regional stability, the imperative to prioritize sustainable water management and equitable sharing arrangements cannot be overstated.
It is incumbent upon the governments of Bangladesh and India to heed the calls for renewed cooperation, backed by robust treaties that uphold the rights and responsibilities of all stakeholders.
Only through genuine collaboration and mutual respect can the shared rivers of South Asia be safeguarded for future generations.
