Patna: Bihar’s water security and its interests in the future arrangement of the India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty will be the focus of a seminar scheduled to be held in Patna on October 30. Organised under the aegis of the Water Resources Department, the seminar will bring together experts to discuss the technical and policy aspects of the treaty, the state’s present and future water requirements, silt accumulation, flood management and the long-term availability of water.
The seminar assumes significance as the 30-year India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty, signed on December 12, 1996, is set to expire on December 11, 2026. With Bihar’s water requirements increasing, the state is emphasising the need to incorporate its interests into the future water-sharing arrangement.
Bihar Seeks Minimum 10,000 Cusecs of Ganga Water
The Bihar government has undertaken a scientific assessment of the state’s projected water requirements up to 2051. According to the preliminary assessment, Bihar requires a minimum of approximately 10,000 cusecs of water during the non-monsoon period from January to May.
Ensuring adequate water availability throughout the year is essential for meeting the state’s growing requirements for irrigation, drinking water supply and industrial development.
The upcoming seminar will examine Bihar’s water needs and explore ways to safeguard the state’s interests in discussions concerning the future framework of the Ganga Water Treaty.
India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty Set to Expire in December 2026
India and Bangladesh signed the Ganga Water Treaty on December 12, 1996, for a period of 30 years. The treaty provides for the sharing of water downstream of the Farakka Barrage.
As the agreement approaches the end of its term, Bihar is seeking greater consideration of its current and future water requirements in the discussions on the treaty’s future arrangements.
Experts participating in the seminar will deliberate on the technical and policy-related dimensions of the agreement, with particular attention to Bihar’s water security and the long-term availability of Ganga water.
Bihar Calls for National Silt Management Policy
Silt accumulation in the Ganga and the rivers of North Bihar has emerged as a major concern for river management and flood control. The accumulation of sediment affects riverbeds, water flow and the water-carrying capacity of rivers, increasing the risk of flooding.
To address these challenges, the Bihar government introduced a new silt management policy in 2026. However, the state has highlighted the need for a comprehensive national-level policy to support effective silt management and the restoration of river systems.
The proposed measures include:
- A clear national policy for silt management.
- A long-term action plan to address sediment accumulation in rivers.
- Financial assistance and a dedicated fund to support silt management initiatives.
- Scientific studies and technical interventions to improve river flow and strengthen flood management.
A coordinated national approach is considered important for addressing the long-term challenges posed by sediment accumulation in the Ganga and other rivers.
Ganga Silt Survey from Buxar to Farakka Postponed
The scheduled aerial survey to assess silt accumulation in the Ganga stretch from Buxar to Farakka has been postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
The survey is intended to support a better understanding of the river’s sediment conditions and help inform future management measures. Scientific assessments and technical recommendations are expected to play an important role in developing Bihar’s position on the issue.
During the October 30 seminar, experts will discuss the available scientific findings and technical suggestions to prepare recommendations that can be presented to the Central Government.
Seminar to Shape Bihar’s Position on Water Security
The Patna seminar will provide a platform to discuss Bihar’s water requirements, the future of the India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Treaty, silt management and flood control.
The discussions are expected to help formulate recommendations for safeguarding Bihar’s water interests and strengthening long-term water security. The state aims to ensure adequate water availability for agriculture, drinking water needs and industrial growth while addressing the challenges of sediment accumulation and river management.
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