West Bengal Seeks Protection of Interests in Ganga Water Pact Renewal with Bangladesh
| Key Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Agreement in Focus | Ganga-Padma Water-Sharing Agreement (India & Bangladesh), set to expire in December 2026 (30-year-old pact). |
| West Bengal's Demands | Ensure legitimate water requirements are met, protect downstream flow, and address navigation, siltation, and environmental concerns. |
| Key Concerns | - Dry-Season Flow: Adequate flow via Farakka Barrage into Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system for drinking, irrigation, industry.- Navigation Issues: Low flow in Hooghly River hampers vessel movement, impacts Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (Kolkata).- Silt Accumulation: Leads to floods, river system degradation.- Groundwater Decline & Arsenic Contamination in the region. |
| Environmental Factors | Address river erosion, downstream flow sustainability, and siltation risks in renewed pact. |