India, Bangladesh Begin Joint Water Measurements as Ganges Treaty Enters Final Year

Dhaka: India and Bangladesh on Thursday began joint water metering of the Padma and Ganges rivers as the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Agreement enters its final year. Water metering begins at a point 3,500 feet above the Hardinge Bridge on the Padma River in Bangladesh and also at the Farakka point on the Ganga river in India, Dhaka Tribune reported, quoting hydrological officials.

While a two-member Indian team led by Saurabh Kumar, deputy director of the Central Water Commission (CWC) of India, and Sunny Arora, deputy director of the commission, came to Bangladesh, it was stated that a four-member Bangladeshi team, led by Arifin Zubaed, executive engineer of the Northeast Surveying Hydrology Department of the Bangladesh Water Development Board, went to India for joint measurement.

“Given the current situation, we are paying special attention to ensuring the safety of the team. The water resources ministry had earlier sent a letter to the home ministry and additional security measures have been taken for the Indian team,” said Shibber Hossain, executive engineer of the hydrology department in Pabna, about 150 kilometers northwest of Dhaka.

Both countries will measure water levels at various designated points on Ganga and Padma from January 1 to May 31, as stated in the agreement, and the measurements will be recorded every 10 days.

The 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Agreement signed between India and Bangladesh in 1996 will expire in December 2026. The two countries have already started negotiations on the renewal of the agreement.