The Teesta River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River, which flows through India and Bangladesh. It rises at Chungthang, Sikkim, in the Himalayas and flows south through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. The Teesta Barrage dam contributes to the irrigation of the plains between the upper Padma and the Jamuna rivers. This article focuses on the dispute between India and its neighbor Bangladesh regarding the Teesta River. This article is important for the Civil Services Examination and other exams.

Teesta River Dispute: An overview

• The main source of disagreement between India and Bangladesh is the Teesta River's lean season flow into Bangladesh.
• The river runs through Sikkim's floodplains and drains 2,800 square kilometers of Bangladesh, affecting the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.
• Teesta is essential for West Bengal, as it is the lifeline of a half-dozen districts in North Bengal.
• Bangladesh attempted but failed, to obtain an "equitable" sharing of Teesta waters from India, similar to the Ganga Water Treaty of 1996.
• The Teesta river flows for a length of about 151 km in Sikkim and nearly 142 km forms the boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal, and the remaining 121 km flows in Bangladesh out of the 414km.

Timeline

The negotiations on sharing the water of Teesta have been going on since 1972.

• In 1972 - In the Indo-Bangla Treaty of Friendship, India and Bangladesh established the Joint River Commission (JRC).
• In 1983- Agreement on Teesta water sharing on an ad hoc basis. Ad-Hoc sharing was legal till the end of 1985, according to the agreement. India had 39% of the share of Teesta while Bangladesh had 36%.
• In 1984- Bangladesh's share grew based on hydrological data, according to the 1984 JRC. India had 42.5% of Teesta while Bangladesh had 37.5%.
• In 1998- Bangladesh began construction on the "Teesta Barrage" irrigation project (3 cropping seasons per year).
• In 2011- India received 42.5% of Teesta water while Bangladesh received 37.5 percent under an interim agreement that was scheduled to last 15 years. Bengal was against the transaction, therefore it was stalled and is still unsigned.

West Bengal Stand

• The resistance to this deal by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee is linked to "global warming". Many of the Teesta basin's glaciers have receded.
• Any agreement will dehydrate West Bengal's northern region and harm farmers.
• A West Bengal project seeks to irrigate 9,22,000 hectares of land in North Bengal while also generating 67.60 MW of hydropower. Any sharing of water from Teesta with Bangladesh will hamper this project.

Bangladesh's Stand

• India currently has a 55 percent share of river water. Bangladesh claims half of the water between December and May each year when the flow of water into the country is at its lowest.
• Due to India's excessive withdrawal of water, over 1 lakh hectares of land in Rangpur's rice bowl cannot be planted for winter harvests.
• During the dry season, Bangladesh wants a fair share of Teesta.

China's Involvement

• Bangladesh is expected to receive a nearly USD 1 billion loan from China for a comprehensive Teesta river management and restoration project.
• Bangladesh's largest trading partner and primary source of imports are China, with trade strongly favoring China.
• China recently announced zero tariffs on 97% of Bangladeshi imports, a move that has been enthusiastically praised in Bangladesh.

Conclusion

The Indian Prime Minister's visit to Dhaka in 2015 sparked hopes for progress on the subject, but it remains unsolved. Bangladesh is an important neighbor for India, sharing a common history, culture, religion, and many other characteristics. This issue is still seen as a long-term pain perpetrated by India in Bangladesh. Bangladesh's support is vital to India, and without similar open regimes in neighboring countries, India will never be free of terror. Given Bangladesh's strategic importance and India's role as a responsible upper riparian state, India must take proactive steps to ensure the Teesta accord is completed as soon as possible.

FAQs

MCQs

1. What is the primary issue at the heart of the Teesta River dispute between India and Bangladesh?

A) Sharing of forest resources
B) Water-sharing agreement
C) Border disputes
D) Trade tariffs

2. What year was the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty signed between India and Bangladesh?

A) 1991
B) 1996
C) 2000
D) 2005

3. Which Indian state is directly affected by the Teesta River water-sharing issue?

A) Uttar Pradesh
B) West Bengal
C) Assam
D) Kerala

4. Which of the following is a challenge in resolving the Teesta River dispute?

A) Climate change
B) Regional water conflicts
C) Political considerations of West Bengal
D) All of the above

5. What year did India and Bangladesh nearly finalize a water-sharing agreement for the Teesta River?

A) 2005
B) 2011
C) 2015
D) 2020

GS Mains Questions and Model Answers

Q1: Analyze the geopolitical implications of the Teesta River dispute between India and Bangladesh. How does this affect regional stability?

Answer: The Teesta River dispute has significant geopolitical implications for India-Bangladesh relations. Water scarcity in Bangladesh, especially during dry seasons, exacerbates tensions, as the country relies on the river for agriculture and drinking water. The disagreement over the equitable sharing of water affects not only bilateral relations but also regional stability. As both countries are key players in South Asia, unresolved water-sharing issues could create diplomatic friction and affect cooperation in other areas such as trade, security, and environmental protection. It is crucial for India and Bangladesh to reach a fair and lasting agreement to maintain regional peace and cooperation.

Q2: Evaluate the importance of the Ganges Water Sharing Treaty in the context of other river disputes in South Asia, including the Teesta River issue.

Answer: The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty of 1996 serves as an important model for resolving river disputes in South Asia, particularly for countries like India and Bangladesh that share transboundary water resources. The treaty, which has governed the sharing of the Ganges River water, established a framework for cooperation and dispute resolution. This framework could serve as a template for resolving the Teesta River dispute, though unique challenges such as seasonal water flow variations and local political sensitivities must be addressed. The success of the Ganges Treaty highlights the need for diplomatic dialogue and water-sharing agreements that consider the needs of both riparian countries to ensure equitable access to shared water resources.

Q3: How can India and Bangladesh resolve the Teesta River dispute, considering the regional political dynamics and environmental concerns?

Answer: Resolving the Teesta River dispute requires a multifaceted approach that includes addressing regional political dynamics, environmental concerns, and the socioeconomic needs of both countries. India and Bangladesh can explore a water-sharing formula that balances the interests of both nations, with consideration given to seasonal water availability, agricultural requirements, and climate change. Furthermore, enhancing cooperation at the local and state levels, particularly in West Bengal, is crucial for overcoming domestic political challenges. To protect the environment, both countries should prioritize sustainable water management practices, including the protection of catchment areas and the implementation of water conservation measures.

Previous Year Questions on Teesta River Dispute

1. UPSC CSE Prelims 2020:

Question: The Teesta River flows through which two countries?

A) India and Bangladesh
B) India and Nepal
C) India and Bhutan
D) India and Myanmar

Answer: (A)

Explanation: The Teesta River flows through both India and Bangladesh, making it a subject of water-sharing dispute between the two countries.

2. UPSC CSE Mains 2019 (GS Paper 2):

Question: Discuss the challenges involved in resolving the Teesta River dispute between India and Bangladesh and its implications for bilateral relations.

Answer: The Teesta River dispute involves complex challenges, including political sensitivities in India’s West Bengal state, where the river originates, and Bangladesh’s demand for greater water access. The dispute has strained bilateral relations, with water scarcity in Bangladesh affecting its agriculture and livelihoods. While negotiations have been ongoing for years, political and environmental considerations continue to delay a final resolution. It is crucial to address these issues through diplomacy, taking into account the changing climatic conditions and ensuring equitable access to water for both countries.