OpinionKhayer Mahmud, associate professor of law at Jagannath University, writes that the 1996 deal guarantees no minimum dry-season flow, ignores environmental flows and lacks binding dispute settlement, and that its expiry risks a legal vacuum.
EnvironmentThe 30-year Ganges treaty signed in 1996 expires on 12 December; India's foreign ministry spokesman said technical-level talks are going on and the matter belongs to the Joint Rivers Commission.
Department of Fisheries figures show Bangladesh's hilsa output falling from 571,000 tonnes in 2022-23 to 504,000 in 2024-25, while Gujarat landed 14,588 tonnes in 2025-26; scientists say the Narmada estuary near Bharuch has become favourable to the migratory fish.
