Published on 10 Oct 2025
A meeting of the technical teams of the Joint Rivers Commission of India and Bangladesh began in Kolkata on the Ganga Water Treaty (GWT), which is due for renewal in 2026.
The GWT, also known as the Indo-Bangladesh Farakka Treaty, was signed in 1996 between India and Bangladesh for a 30-year term.
It outlines the sharing of Ganga waters at the Farakka Barrage during the dry season (January 1 to May 31), dividing the flow into fifteen 10-day periods.
The allocation is based on historical flow data from 1949 to 1988.
If the flow is 70,000 cusecs or less, both countries receive 50% each; for flows between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh gets 35,000 cusecs and India receives the remainder; and for flows 75,000 cusecs or more, India gets 40,000 cusecs and Bangladesh receives the rest.
The Joint Rivers Commission (JRC), established in 1972, monitors compliance and addresses disputes, with members from India, Bangladesh, and West Bengal.
Ganga Water Treaty
GWT
River
Joint Rivers Commission
Indo-Bangladesh Farakka Treaty
Farakka Barrage
Bangladesh
West bengal
Ganga River