The passage narrates the historical and legal complexities surrounding the Farakka Barrage dispute between India and Bangladesh. In 1976, Maulana Bhasani led a significant procession from Dhaka to the Indo-Bangladesh border to protest against India's unilateral operation of the Farakka Barrage, which adversely impacted the Ganges River and the lives of millions downstream in Bangladesh. This issue has been a persistent source of tension between the two countries, leading to temporary agreements and subsequent controversies.

Key highlights from the passage include:

1. Historical Context and Protests: In 1976, Maulana Bhasani's march highlighted the deep sense of deprivation in Bangladesh due to the Farakka Barrage, bringing national and international attention to the issue.

2. Legal and Diplomatic Efforts: Efforts to resolve the dispute included hiring international experts, presenting the issue at the UN General Assembly, and forming temporary agreements. However, these agreements were often short-lived and did not resolve the underlying issues.

3. International Legal Principles: The passage explores the principles of international watercourse law, particularly equitable utilization and no harm, and their application in the South Asian context. It discusses the complexities of applying these principles and the need for comprehensive and integrated water management approaches.

4. Academic Perspective: The author's research at SOAS, University of London, focused on the international legal aspects of the conflict, examining why Bangladesh and India struggled to apply international watercourse principles despite extensive negotiations.

5. Challenges and Developments: The passage highlights the challenges in implementing equitable and fair water-sharing agreements. It underscores the importance of holistic, basin-wide approaches and recent developments in international law that emphasize environmental protection and the rights of rivers as living entities.

6. Future Directions: As the 1996 Ganges Treaty approaches its expiration in 2026, the passage calls for a renewed, inclusive, and integrated approach involving all basin states, comprehensive data sharing, and robust institutional frameworks to ensure sustainable and equitable water management.

In summary, the Farakka Barrage dispute reflects the complexities of transboundary water management, requiring a blend of historical understanding, legal principles, and contemporary environmental considerations to achieve a lasting resolution.