As the Ganges continues to swell and flood fears intensify across Bihar, its Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary has urged his West Bengal counterpart, Suvendu Adhikari, to open all gates of the Farakka Barrage, arguing that increased downstream flow could help ease flood pressure in Bihar.
Samrat spoke to Suvendu by telephone on Sunday and subsequently disclosed the request in a social media post.
According to the Bihar chief minister, the rising level of the Ganges has created a serious flood situation in several parts of the state. Opening all the Farakka gates could facilitate the river’s flow and help mitigate the crisis, he said.
Suvendu, according to Samrat, assured him that the matter would be acted upon promptly.
The request comes as the 1996 India-Bangladesh Ganges Water Sharing Treaty, which governs the sharing of the river’s lean-season flow at Farakka, is due to expire in December this year after completing its 30-year term.
Farakka has also emerged as a point of discussion within India, with Bihar pressing for its interests to be considered in any future water-sharing arrangement with Bangladesh.
Janata Dal (United) working president and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Jha has argued that the treaty should not simply be renewed in its existing form. He has alleged that Bihar’s interests were inadequately considered when the agreement was negotiated in 1996.
He has called for the state’s requirements for drinking water, irrigation, agriculture and industry to be taken into account in any future arrangement.
Bihar’s concerns have also reached New Delhi. Deputy Chief Minister and Water Resources Minister Vijay Kumar Choudhary recently said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had assured the state that its concerns over the Farakka Barrage and the India-Bangladesh water-sharing treaty would be considered during the renewal process.
A meeting involving Bihar’s political leadership and senior central officials also discussed water resources, irrigation and flood management.
India’s Bihar seeks opening of all Farakka Barrage gates amid rising Ganges
