Environment
India and Bangladesh urged to include river protection in next Ganges treaty
What happened
India and Bangladesh are being urged to incorporate stronger river protection measures into their next Ganges water-sharing treaty. The call comes as concerns grow over declining river health, pollution, and ecological damage affecting both countries. Experts warn that without safeguards, the treaty risks failing to address long-term sustainability challenges.
Key facts
bullet: The 1996 Ganges Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh allocates water during the dry season but does not mandate pollution control.
bullet: A 2023 study by the World Bank found that 60% of the Ganges’ water in Bangladesh is unsafe for drinking due to contamination.
bullet: Sand mining in the river has increased by 40% in the last decade, according to Bangladesh Water Development Board data.
bullet: The National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) in India has identified 150 polluted stretches of the Ganges, with 30% showing no improvement.
bullet: Climate change projections suggest the Ganges’ flow could decline by 20% by 2050, exacerbating water scarcity.
Context
bullet: The Ganges River is a transboundary waterway shared by India and Bangladesh, with the Ganges Water Treaty governing water-sharing since 1996. bullet: The treaty currently focuses on water allocation but lacks provisions for river ecosystem protection. bullet: Pollution, sand mining, and climate change have degraded the river’s health, impacting millions dependent on it. bullet: Bangladesh relies heavily on the Ganges for agriculture, drinking water, and livelihoods.