Teesta River Dispute

Introduction

The Teesta River dispute is a long-standing water-sharing conflict between India and Bangladesh. Originating from the eastern Himalayas in Sikkim, the Teesta flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it merges with the Brahmaputra River. The river is crucial for irrigation, drinking water, and livelihoods in both countries, making the equitable distribution of its waters a contentious issue.

Background of the Teesta Dispute

1. Geographical Significance
   • Origin and Course: The Teesta River originates in the Himalayas, flowing through the Indian state of Sikkim and the northern part of West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It covers a total length of about 414 km.
   • Dependency on the River: Both West Bengal in India and northern Bangladesh rely heavily on the Teesta River for agriculture, drinking water, and other needs. In Bangladesh, the river is particularly vital for the northern districts, which are highly dependent on its waters for irrigation.
2. Historical Context
   • Early Agreements: The first attempt to resolve the sharing of Teesta waters was made during British rule, but no formal agreement was reached.
   • 1972 Indo-Bangladesh Treaty: After Bangladesh’s independence, the Indo-Bangladesh Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Peace in 1972 laid the groundwork for discussions on water sharing. However, Teesta was not specifically addressed at that time.
   • 1983 Ad Hoc Agreement: In 1983, an ad hoc agreement was reached under the aegis of the Indo-Bangladesh Joint Rivers Commission, where India agreed to share 39% of the Teesta’s water with Bangladesh while keeping 36% for itself. The remaining 25% was left undecided.

The Point of Conflict : Water Allocation Dispute

• Bangladesh’s Demand: Bangladesh has been demanding an equitable share of the Teesta waters, especially during the dry season (December to March), when the water flow significantly decreases. The country argues that the current flow is insufficient to meet the agricultural and domestic needs of its population.
• India’s Position: India, particularly the state of West Bengal, is concerned that sharing a larger portion of the Teesta’s waters would adversely affect its own agriculture and water needs. West Bengal, which relies heavily on the Teesta for irrigation, argues that the region itself suffers from water shortages during the dry season.

Current Status of the Dispute

1. Pending Agreement
   • Proposed Water Sharing Treaty (2011): A more comprehensive water-sharing treaty was proposed in 2011, during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Bangladesh. The draft agreement proposed a 50:50 distribution of Teesta’s waters during the lean season (December to March), when water flow is critically low. However, this treaty was not finalized due to strong opposition from the West Bengal government.
   • Because the agreement has not been finalized, the Teesta River water continues to be shared based on the existing flow, without a formalized and legally binding ratio. The absence of a formal agreement means that the water-sharing is managed on an ad-hoc basis, leading to tensions, especially during the dry season when water availability is significantly reduced.
2. Key Stakeholders
   • West Bengal Government: West Bengal, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has opposed the 2011 proposed agreement, arguing that the state would suffer significant water shortages, impacting agriculture and drinking water supplies in the northern districts.
   • Bangladesh Government: Bangladesh has consistently pushed for an equitable sharing of the Teesta’s waters, as the river is crucial for the livelihoods of millions of people, particularly in the Rangpur region.
3. Impact of the Dispute
   • Agriculture: In both West Bengal and northern Bangladesh, agriculture is heavily dependent on the Teesta’s waters. The dispute has led to irrigation challenges, particularly during the dry season.
   • Diplomatic Relations: The Teesta dispute has occasionally strained diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh, despite their otherwise strong bilateral ties. Resolving the issue is seen as critical for enhancing trust and cooperation between the two neighbors.

Challenges and Concerns

1. Environmental Concerns
   • Climate Change: Climate change has affected the flow of the Teesta, with unpredictable monsoons and reduced glacial meltwater from the Himalayas. This has exacerbated water scarcity and made the dispute even more pressing.
   • Riverine Ecosystems: Over-extraction of water has led to the degradation of riverine ecosystems, impacting fisheries, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of communities dependent on the river.
2. Political and Regional Considerations
   • State vs. Central Government: In India, water is a state subject, which means that any agreement involving water sharing with a foreign country requires the consensus of the concerned state government. The West Bengal government’s objections have been a major roadblock in reaching a final agreement.
   • Interstate Relations: The dispute also highlights the complexities of interstate relations within India, where the central government must balance national interests with the concerns of individual states.
3. Humanitarian Issues
   • Livelihood Impact: In Bangladesh, the lack of an equitable water-sharing arrangement has led to severe water shortages during the dry season, impacting agriculture, food security, and livelihoods.
   • Migration and Social Unrest: Water scarcity in the Teesta-dependent regions of Bangladesh has led to increased migration, social unrest, and economic challenges, further complicating the humanitarian situation.

Possible Solutions and the Way Forward

1. Negotiation and Diplomacy
   • Reviving Talks: Both India and Bangladesh need to revive and intensify diplomatic negotiations to reach a mutually acceptable agreement. Building trust through regular dialogue at various levels—bilateral, regional, and international—is crucial.
2. Technological and Environmental Solutions
   • Joint Water Management: Implementing joint water management initiatives, including real-time data sharing on water flow, weather patterns, and climate impacts, can help both countries optimize the use of Teesta’s waters.
   • Sustainable Practices: Encouraging sustainable agricultural practices and efficient water use through drip irrigation, crop rotation, and rainwater harvesting can reduce dependency on the river during lean seasons.
3. Addressing Regional Disparities
   • Regional Development Initiatives: Investing in regional development in both West Bengal and Bangladesh’s northern districts, including infrastructure, alternative livelihoods, and water conservation projects, can mitigate the impact of water scarcity.
   • Collaborative Environmental Programs: Joint environmental programs focusing on river basin management, reforestation, and pollution control can enhance the health of the Teesta River and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

Conclusion

The Teesta River dispute remains a complex and sensitive issue between India and Bangladesh, deeply intertwined with regional politics, environmental challenges, and humanitarian concerns. Resolving the dispute requires a balanced approach that considers the needs and rights of both countries, as well as the environmental sustainability of the river. Through sustained diplomatic efforts, technological innovation, and regional cooperation, a fair and lasting solution can be achieved, strengthening the bonds between India and Bangladesh and ensuring the well-being of the millions who depend on the Teesta River