Patna: Chief minister Samrat Choudhary said on Tuesday that Bihar does not oppose sharing Ganga water with Bangladesh, but the state’s requirements must be fully considered before Union govt renews the existing agreement or signs a fresh pact with the neighbouring country.Speaking at an event in New Delhi, Choudhary said Bihar needs assured water availability for agriculture, drinking purposes, industry and overall economic development. He argued that the present terms of India-Bangladesh Ganga Water Sharing Treaty restrict the Bihar govt’s ability to utilise the river’s water adequately.“Under the current arrangement, Bihar gets an opportunity to use Ganga water only for four months — July, Aug, Sept and Oct. A state like Bihar should have adequate water available for agriculture, industry and drinking water,” he said.Choudhary stressed that he was not against Bangladesh receiving its share. “We also need water for agriculture and drinking purposes. Bihar is a poor state, and it needs water to establish industries and promote economic development. We cannot compromise on this requirement. It is our necessity,” he said.Ganga Water Sharing Treaty was signed by India and Bangladesh on Dec 12, 1996. It governs sharing of Ganga waters at Farakka Barrage in West Bengal during the lean season from Jan 1 to May 31. The 30-year treaty is scheduled to expire this Dec.Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari also was present at the event. Choudhary requested Gadkari to construct a four-lane road on both banks of Ganga river in its entire stretch in Bihar.
