Hydro-Politics in South Asia: A Comparative Analysis of the Mahakali and the Ganges Treaties

Abstract

The numerous problems raised by the management of water resources are currently receiving ever-greater attention from governments around the globe. These problems stem from the fact that water resources are qualitatively and quantitatively limited, and that opportunities for the exploitation of these resources abound. These factors have led to an increasing need to adopt an integrated approach to the development of water resources. In this context, the triangular relations between Bangladesh, India, and Nepal in South Asia posit an intriguing and unique set of circumstances that illustrates the effect that the practices of one country can have on other surrounding countries. India has significantly shaped the foreign economic relations between India and Bangladesh and India and Nepal, especially insofar as water resources development and cooperation are concerned. Indeed, the geographic proximity of Bangladesh and Nepal to India has compelled these countries to cooperate with India in each country?s utilization of water resources. In order to formalize this cooperation, two treaties of significant importance were entered into in 1996 between India and Nepal and India and Bangladesh. These treaties are known as the Mahakali River Treaty between India and Nepal and the Ganges River Treaty between India and Bangladesh. This article provides a comparative analysis of the two treaties and focuses on the problematique related to their finalization. The article also discusses the interesting political twists of events and highlights the critical aspects of the implementation of the treaties, and further analyzes the opportunities provided by the treaties for cooperation between India, Bangladesh, and Nepal in the area of water resources management.