Farrakka Treaty Renewal Stalls as Bangladesh Moves Ahead with Padma Barrage

As the Farrakka Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh comes up for renewal this year, negotiations appear to be moving slowly amid growing diplomatic and environmental complexities.

Signed in 1996 for a 30-year period, the treaty governs the sharing of the Ganga’s waters at the Farakka Barrage during the critical dry season from January to May. However, reports suggest that strained bilateral ties, climate-related pressures, and competing domestic priorities on both sides have made meaningful progress difficult.

Bangladesh has consistently pushed for assured dry-season water flows, citing concerns over declining river levels downstream. India, meanwhile, is seeking revisions that factor in its own rising water requirements—particularly those of West Bengal. The state government has repeatedly maintained that any revised agreement must safeguard the region’s drinking water and irrigation needs, especially in northern Bengal. These competing positions have resulted in a stalemate, causing unease in Dhaka and quiet concern in New Delhi.

Bangladesh Advances Padma Barrage Project

Against this backdrop, Bangladesh has taken a significant step that could reshape water diplomacy between the two neighbours. The Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB) has initiated preparations for the long-delayed Padma Barrage project, estimated to cost 50,443.64 crore Taka, according to an NDTV report.

The Padma River—known as the Ganga before it enters Bangladesh—is central to the country’s water system, making the project both strategically and politically sensitive. Bangladesh argues that water flow in its southwestern regions has declined sharply since the Farakka Barrage became operational upstream in India.

Official BWDB documents, as cited by NDTV, state that the Padma Barrage would enable Bangladesh to store excess monsoon water and ensure a year-round supply to the southwest and northwest regions. Authorities note that nearly 37 per cent of the country’s population depends on the Padma river system for agriculture, drinking water, and livelihoods.

The proposed barrage is expected to be built at Pangsha in Kushtia district, approximately 180 km downstream from Farakka. Dhaka has positioned the project as an essential infrastructure initiative rather than a bargaining tool in negotiations with India. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has decided to finance the project domestically at this stage, while keeping the option open for foreign funding in the future.

Politics, Floods and Rising Rhetoric

Water-sharing has once again emerged as a charged political issue in Bangladesh. Addressing a campaign rally in Sylhet, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) chief Tarique Rahman linked unresolved river disputes to national sovereignty.

Recalling the tenure of former President Ziaur Rahman, Tarique said canal construction had once eased irrigation challenges and resolved water shortages. He accused past governments of compromising national interests and pledged renewed canal development if the BNP returns to power.

“If the BNP is elected by the vote on February 12 by the wishes of Allah, we will start a programme of canal construction again… Not Dilli, not Pindi, no other country—Bangladesh comes first,” Rahman said, as quoted by NDTV.

Tensions were further heightened in 2024, when severe floods affected 11 districts in Bangladesh. Some reports alleged that the opening of Farakka Barrage gates aggravated the flooding, claims that India strongly denied.

India’s Ministry of External Affairs rejected the allegations, with spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stating, “We have seen fake videos, rumours and fear-mongering to create misunderstanding. This should be firmly countered with facts,” while clarifying that Farakka is a barrage, not a dam.

As treaty renewal talks remain inconclusive and Bangladesh advances its own water infrastructure plans, the future of India-Bangladesh river diplomacy appears increasingly complex—shaped by climate realities, domestic politics, and the pressing need to balance development with cooperation.