States » EastPosted at: Oct 30 2026 12:02AM


Bihar to discuss Ganga water treaty and state's water security

Patna, Oct 29 (UNI) The Bihar Water Resources Department would duscuss “Ganga Water Treaty: Bihar's Water Security”, the State's present and future water requirements, sediment accumulation in the Ganga, flood management and measures to ensure long-term water availability at a seminar on Friday.
The deliberations will cover the technical and policy aspects of the Ganga Water Treaty and examine Bihar's water needs in consultation with experts. a departmental Spokesperson said.
Meanwhile, the scheduled aerial survey to assess sediment accumulation in the Ganga from Buxar to Farakka was today postponed due to adverse weather conditions.
The Ganga Water Treaty, signed between India and Bangladesh on December 12, 1996, for a period of 30 years, is due to expire on December 11, 2026. The treaty provides for the sharing of water downstream of the Farakka Barrage.
In view of Bihar's growing water requirements and changing hydrological conditions, a comprehensive assessment of the state's present and future needs is necessary while considering the future framework of the treaty, according to the Spokesperson.
The Bihar government has commissioned a scientific assessment of the state's projected water requirements up to 2051. Preliminary estimates indicate that Bihar requires a minimum flow of approximately 10,000 cusecs even during the non-monsoon period from January to May.
The department noted that inadequate water availability in reservoirs and other sources limits their utility. Ensuring a year-round supply of water from the Ganga is therefore important for Bihar's water security, irrigation, drinking water supply and industrial development.
The seminar aims to present these requirements on the basis of scientific evidence and technical assessments and facilitate meaningful deliberations on issues concerning Bihar''s interests in the future arrangement of the treaty.
Bihar's geographical and environmental conditions make the state vulnerable to both floods and droughts. The Ganga and several rivers in north Bihar originate in the Himalayas and carry substantial amounts of sediment during the monsoon. Owing to the state's relatively flat terrain, reduced river flow velocities can lead to sediment deposition on riverbeds.
This accumulation affects riverbed levels, flow patterns and the carrying capacity of rivers. It also influences flood risks and the water-carrying and storage capacities of rivers, barrages, reservoirs and other water sources, potentially affecting the availability of water for irrigation, drinking and other uses.
Climate change, shifts in rainfall patterns, population growth, agricultural demand, urbanisation and industrialisation have further increased the challenges associated with water management.
In view of the need for sediment management and river system restoration, the Bihar government has implemented the Bihar Water Sources Restoration and Sediment Management Policy, 2026.
Since sediment management in the Ganga involves interstate and international dimensions, the state government has highlighted the need for a clear national sediment management policy, a long-term action plan and a national fund to provide technical and financial assistance to states across the Ganga basin.
The department also stressed the need for an integrated approach to sediment management in flood control schemes, scientific studies of riverbeds and consideration of dredging wherever required.
The assessment of Bihar's water requirements extends beyond present demand. Demand for water is expected to rise in the coming years due to agricultural needs, drinking water supply, energy generation, industry and urban development. Sediment accumulation in reservoirs and other water sources, along with irregular water availability, also affects the capacity to store and utilise water.
The department said Bihar's water requirements, along with the needs of other states in the Ganga basin, should be taken into account on a factual basis while considering the future framework of the treaty.
Experts attending the seminar are expected to offer practical suggestions, based on available scientific evidence, technical studies and their experience, on assessing present and future water demand, equitable water utilisation, sediment management, reducing flood risks and ensuring long-term water availability.
The deliberations are expected to help formulate technical and policy recommendations so that Bihar's position can be presented to the Centre and the relevant institutions on a sound factual basis. UNI RS CDS
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