Question

The treaty on sharing water of Ganga at Farraka barrage in 1996 was executed between India and ......

• A. China
• B. Pakistan
• C. Bangladesh
• D. Nepal

Hint:

Key details of the Farakka Treaty:
- Year of signing: 1996 (valid for 30 years).
- Nations involved: India and Bangladesh.
- Purpose: Sharing the dry-season flows of the Ganges River.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Transboundary water agreements are bilateral or multilateral treaties signed to regulate the equitable sharing and management of rivers flowing through multiple nations.
The Farakka Barrage is a major hydraulic structure constructed across the Ganges (Ganga) River near the border of West Bengal in India.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The Farakka Barrage was built by India to divert water into the Hooghly River to flush out silt and keep the Kolkata port navigable.
However, this diversion significantly reduced the dry-season flow of the Ganges into downstream Bangladesh (formerly East Pakistan), leading to long-standing transboundary disputes.
To address these concerns, a historic 30-year treaty was signed on December 12, 1996, by the Prime Minister of India (H.D. Deve Gowda) and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh (Sheikh Hasina).
This treaty established a clear, formula-based water-sharing arrangement during the dry season (January 1 to May 31).
It ensures a guaranteed minimum flow to both nations depending on the inflow at Farakka.
Therefore, the treaty was executed specifically between India and Bangladesh.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The 1996 treaty on sharing water of Ganga at Farakka Barrage was executed between India and Bangladesh.