Farakka Treaty review essential in Bihar's interest: JDU's Sanjay Jha

Chhapra, Oct 6 (UNI) JD(U) national working president Sanjay Kumar Jha today called for a review of the 1996 Ganges Water Sharing Treaty between India and Bangladesh, saying Bihar's present and future water needs must be protected. Addressing the party's ''Nitish Samvad on Farakka Water Treaty'' here, Jha said any new arrangement should factor in Bihar's water requirements up to 2050, particularly for irrigation, drinking water, industry and livelihoods. The treaty, which governs lean-season sharing of Ganga waters at Farakka, is set to expire in December 2026. Jha claimed the existing arrangement had adversely affected Bihar's water availability and management,…