Joint river panel inspects Ganges flow at Farakka Barrage ahead of water talks

A joint delegation from Bangladesh and India has inspected the Ganges water flow at the Farakka Barrage as part of the 90th meeting of the Joint Rivers Commission (JRC).

On Thursday (May 21), the first day of the meeting, the delegation visited multiple areas adjacent to the barrage in Murshidabad, West Bengal, to observe river flow, depth and overall hydrological conditions. Officials later conducted field inspections at key downstream locations of Farakka.

The team also inspected the Ganges’ water diversion point, the Bhagirathi and Padma river linkage zones, and feeder canal areas. However, no immediate statement was issued regarding the findings, with officials describing the visit as part of routine monitoring.

The Bangladeshi delegation had arrived in Kolkata on Wednesday evening before joining the field-level inspection in Farakka the following day. The three-day JRC meeting will conclude with a final session in Kolkata on Saturday.

Analysts note that the meeting carries added significance as the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty is set to expire on December 31 this year, raising the prospect of renewal negotiations.

Under the existing agreement, water sharing between the two countries is determined based on flow levels at Farakka. When flow drops below a certain threshold, water is shared equally; otherwise, allocation follows a defined formula between Bangladesh and India.

Differences have reportedly emerged between the two sides over aspects of treaty renewal, particularly regarding measurement methods and flow assessment, which are expected to be discussed in upcoming sessions.