Water, the lifeline of civilizations, is becoming a growing source of contention between neighbors. The article “Ganges Water Disputes Between India and Bangladesh” by Lea Watch News delves into the long-standing and increasingly urgent debate over the sharing of the Ganges River — a vital resource that sustains millions across both nations.
The Ganges originates in India and flows into Bangladesh, and while a 1996 water-sharing treaty between the two countries set a framework for cooperation, tensions have resurfaced in recent years. According to Lea Watch News, Bangladesh has expressed concerns over India's upstream water usage, particularly during the dry season, which severely impacts irrigation, agriculture, and livelihoods in its lower regions.
India, on the other hand, argues that growing domestic demands, climate change, and erratic rainfall patterns require a re-evaluation of current water-sharing arrangements. The article highlights that infrastructure projects like barrages and dams on the Indian side — especially the Farakka Barrage — have long been a sticking point, with Bangladesh claiming reduced water flow during critical months.
What makes this issue even more complex is that it's not just about water; it's about trust, regional diplomacy, and balancing national priorities with regional harmony. The lack of transparency, delay in finalizing agreements on other shared rivers like Teesta, and rising public pressure in both countries are all contributing to an increasingly delicate situation.
Despite these challenges, the article calls for renewed dialogue, joint river commissions, and sustainable water management practices. The Ganges should be a symbol of connection, not division. With cooperation and political will, India and Bangladesh can turn this contentious issue into a model of shared prosperity — ensuring that future generations don’t inherit a crisis, but a legacy of collaboration.