Last Updated on January 1, 2026 9:03 pm by INDIAN AWAAZ
Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
India and Bangladesh on Wednesday began joint water measurements on the Padma and Ganges rivers as the 30-year Ganges Water Sharing Treaty entered its final year.
Measurements started at a point 3,500 feet upstream of the Hardinge Bridge on the Padma and at Farakka, officials said.
A two-member Indian team led by Central Water Commission deputy director Saurabh Kumar has arrived in Bangladesh, while a four-member Bangladeshi team headed by Md Arifin Zubaed has travelled to India. “Given the prevailing situation, we are giving special attention to ensuring the security of the team,” said Md Shibber Hossain of Bangladesh’s hydrology division.
Under the treaty, water levels will be measured every ten days from January 1 to May 31. If flow at Farakka is 70,000 cusecs or below, both countries receive equal shares. If it is between 70,000 and 75,000 cusecs, Bangladesh is guaranteed 35,000 cusecs, while India gets the rest. If flow exceeds 75,000 cusecs, India receives a minimum of 40,000 cusecs.
Hydrology data show that Padma flow at Hardinge Bridge stood at over 126,000 cusecs this week, compared to 85,000 cusecs last year. The treaty is set to expire in December 2026, with renewal talks already underway.