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Politics
Bihar Calls for Scientific Water Needs Study Ahead of Farakka Treaty Renewal in Dec 2026
✍️ Amar Ujala · Bihar
🗓 02 Nov 2026, 06:32 PM
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JD(U) national executive president Sanjay Jha warned that the Farakka water treaty could deprive Bihar of 73% of its water and urged a scientific assessment of the state's water demand up to 2050 before the agreement is renewed in December 2026.
Sanjay Jha, the national executive president of the Janata Dal (United), highlighted the adverse impact of the Farakka water treaty on Bihar, estimating that the state could lose up to 73 percent of its water share under the current arrangement. He stressed that the treaty, due for renewal in December 2026, must be preceded by a rigorous, data‑driven study of the state's water requirements through 2050.
Jha argued that without a scientific assessment, Bihar risks facing severe water scarcity that could affect agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption. He called on the central government and the inter‑state water management bodies to commission the study immediately, using modern hydrological modeling and climate projections.
The JD(U) leader also reiterated Bihar's broader water‑rights agenda, urging that any renegotiation of the Farakka agreement reflect the state's growing demand and the projected impacts of climate change. He said the assessment would provide a factual basis for negotiations and help safeguard the livelihoods of millions of Biharis dependent on river water.
While the Farakka barrage has long been a point of contention between Bihar and neighboring states, Jha's demand underscores a shift toward evidence‑based advocacy rather than purely political posturing. The call for a 2050‑focused study arrives as the state prepares its water‑security strategy for the next three decades.
The central government has not yet responded publicly to the JD(U) request, but officials have indicated that the upcoming renewal process will consider technical inputs from all concerned states.
Jha argued that without a scientific assessment, Bihar risks facing severe water scarcity that could affect agriculture, industry, and domestic consumption. He called on the central government and the inter‑state water management bodies to commission the study immediately, using modern hydrological modeling and climate projections.
The JD(U) leader also reiterated Bihar's broader water‑rights agenda, urging that any renegotiation of the Farakka agreement reflect the state's growing demand and the projected impacts of climate change. He said the assessment would provide a factual basis for negotiations and help safeguard the livelihoods of millions of Biharis dependent on river water.
While the Farakka barrage has long been a point of contention between Bihar and neighboring states, Jha's demand underscores a shift toward evidence‑based advocacy rather than purely political posturing. The call for a 2050‑focused study arrives as the state prepares its water‑security strategy for the next three decades.
The central government has not yet responded publicly to the JD(U) request, but officials have indicated that the upcoming renewal process will consider technical inputs from all concerned states.