Archive · 2 Sep 2026
Centre Assures JDU Bihar’s Interests In Farakka Treaty Decision
India is reviewing a water-sharing agreement with Bangladesh.
The agreement concerns how Ganga waters are shared.
Sanjay Kumar Jha, a lawmaker from Bihar’s ally party JDU, asked the government to protect Bihar’s water needs.
He raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha on August 6, 2026.
Bihar needs water for drinking and industry.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar replied to Jha in a letter.
Jaishankar said the government would make an appropriate decision.
The government said it would keep Bihar’s concerns in mind.
The NDA government assured JDU that it will make an appropriate decision on the Farakka treaty.
The decision will consider Bihar’s drinking-water and industrial-water needs.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar conveyed the assurance in a letter to Sanjay Kumar Jha.
Jha had raised the issue during a Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha on August 6, 2026.
Jha urged protection of Bihar’s interests during renewal of the Ganga water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh.
- Who
- External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, JDU leader and Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Kumar Jha, and the NDA government.
- What
- The government assured JDU that Bihar’s water needs would be considered in deciding on renewal of the Farakka, or Ganga water-sharing, treaty.
- When
- Jha raised the matter on August 6, 2026; Jaishankar’s letter was sent the following week.
- Where
- The issue was raised in the Rajya Sabha and concerns water sharing between India and Bangladesh, including Bihar’s interests.
- Why
- Jha sought protection for Bihar’s drinking-water and industrial-water needs.
- Agreement
- Farakka treaty, also described as the Ganga water-sharing treaty
- Countries involved
- India and Bangladesh
- Government assurance
- An appropriate decision will be made while considering Bihar’s water needs
- Bihar’s needs
- Drinking water and industrial water
- Issue raised by
- Sanjay Kumar Jha, JDU national working president and Rajya Sabha member
- Parliamentary intervention
- A Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha on August 6, 2026