JDU MP opposes renewal of Farakka Treaty with B'desh, says Bihar's 'interests must be addressed'

New Delhi: NDA ally Janata Dal (United) on Thursday asked the Centre not to renew the Farakka water-sharing treaty with Bangladesh. The 30-year treaty will expire on December 12.

JDU MP Sanjay Jha raised the issue in the Rajya Sabha through a special mention. He said that extending the 1996 treaty with Bangladesh in its current form will severely compromise Bihar's long-term water security, agriculture and industrial growth.

"I was the water resources minister in the state and am aware of the implications of this treaty. Even during the lean period, water flows out of Bihar while our own regions face severe scarcity. The entire water passes through our state, yet Bihar's critical needs remain unaddressed," Jha told ET.


He argued that the population of Bihar has nearly doubled since 1996 which has resulted in increased demands for drinking water, irrigation and local industry.

He further said that by 2050, Bihar will need nearly 2,000 cusecs of additional water for maintaining water security while the current provisions are insufficient to meet the demand. "We will take this up with the right authorities within the government. As a party, we will oppose the treaty's renewal," Jha added.