NEW DELHI. Dec 11: Bangladesh and India are expected to sign a long-term Ganges water-sharing agreement tomorrow ending a two-decade old dispute on the issue between the two countries, officials concerned said here today.

The duration of the "historic" agreement is likely to be 30 years, they added.

The accord is likely to carry provisions for a periodic review after every five years. It will be a comprehensive document having around 130 clauses. Officials said that the quantum of

and some last minute changes were likely in'this regard. But it is likely to be more than that under the 1977 Accord, they further added.

A Joint monitoring commit tee would also be set up as part of the agreement. The (low of water that Bangladesh Is going to get will be determined in 15 cycles of 10-day period for a total of 150 days, covering the five month dry season beginning on January 1.

A guaranteed flow for the 1 fl-day leanest period of end April, which is marked by critically low flow, will be ensured.

Bangladesh sources added

Bangladesh officials, who are now here with the PM said that the accord would enable the country to go for a long term water resources management policy.

It would also enable the country to take up a water usage policy, expand irrigation facilities. help regenerate the dead rivers like Gorai and Arial Kha. they noted.

Crucial donor support for undertaking the Ganges barrage project for multipurpose water usage could also be sought after the signing of the proposed long

term accord, the officials said, BSS adds: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart. H D Deve Gowda, at their formal talks here this evening discussed the draft treaty, a Bangladesh spokesman said.

Held at the Hydarabad bhaban. the talks between the two prime ministers, lasted more than an hour during which both sides discussed the entire gamut" of bilateral relaUons between the two neighbours.

Foreign Minister Abdus Samad Azad. Water Resources

Minister Abdur Razzak, Foreign Secretary Farooq Sobhan Water Resources Secretary ATM Shamsul Huda. Secretary to Prime Minister Dr Mohluddin Khan Alamgir and Bangladesh High Commissioner to India CM Shafi Sami were present.

From the Indian side External Affairs Minister I K Gujral and Foreign Secretary Salman Halder were present.

Sheikh Hasina recalled help and assistance rendered by India during Bangladesh Liberation War and said now it was

the time to fight together to remove poverty and hunger.

She emphasised on a better cooperative approach to Improving the lot of the common ^Sheikh Hasina thanked the government and the people ol India for their warm reception and hospitality extended to her and her entourage.

The Indian Prime Minister called for intensifying efforts to ensure strong relations between the two neighbours.

He emphasised on more eco-nomic cooperation between the two countries to the mutual benefits of their peoples

Prior to the delegation level talks Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on Deve Gowda at the Hydarabad House during which the two leaders had one-to-one discussions.