Teesta Water Sharing Treaty

Context: Bangladesh’s interim government is eager to resume discussions on the Teesta water treaty with India.

Background: The Teesta River dispute garners attention whenever India and Bangladesh hold bilateral talks. The issue revolves around the water-sharing arrangement for the Teesta River. Bangladesh seeks a larger share of the river’s water, as its current allocation is less than that of India’s.

The Teesta River, which traverses both India and Bangladesh, has been a point of contention between the two nations due to water-sharing issues.

The dispute centres on the fair distribution of the river’s waters, especially during the dry season, to satisfy the agricultural, drinking water, and other needs of both countries.

Originating in the Himalayas, the Teesta River flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh and eventually reaching the Bay of Bengal. It is a vital water resource for both India and Bangladesh.

What’s in the article?

1. Teesta River – States It Flows Through
2. Importance of the Teesta River to Bangladesh and West Bengal
   • For Bangladesh
   • For West Bengal
3. Teesta River Dispute – Timeline of Negotiation Events
4. Federal Perspective on the Teesta River Issue
5. West Bengal’s Objections
6. Alternative Solutions Proposed by West Bengal
7. Bangladesh’s Position on the Teesta River Dispute
8. Political Aspects of the Teesta River Dispute
9. Conclusion

Teesta River – States It Flows Through

The Teesta River stretches 414 kilometers, flowing through the Indian states of West Bengal and Sikkim before making its way to the Bay of Bengal via Bangladesh.

It is the fourth largest transboundary river between India and Bangladesh, following the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna river systems.

Its total catchment area spans 1.75 million square kilometres.

Teesta River Dispute – Timeline of Negotiation Events

• 1951: The ‘India-East Pakistan Agreement on the Sharing of the Ganges Waters’ was signed, which included provisions for the Teesta River, ensuring equitable sharing of its waters.
• 1972: The Joint River Commission (JRC) was established between India and Bangladesh under the Indo-Bangla Treaty of Friendship.
• 1983: An agreement for the ad hoc sharing of Teesta waters was reached, valid until the end of 1985, with India allocated 39%, Bangladesh 36%, and 25% unallocated.
• 1984: Based on new hydrological data, the JRC revised the shares to India 42.5%, Bangladesh 37.5%, and 20% unallocated.
• 1998: Bangladesh initiated the “Teesta Barrage” irrigation project, aiming for three cropping seasons per year.
• 2011: An interim deal was established, allocating 42.5% of Teesta’s water to India and 37.5% to Bangladesh, with the agreement set to last for 15 years.

 Note: West Bengal and Sikkim opposed the interim deal, leading to its shelving and the agreement remaining unsigned due to West Bengal’s objections.

During Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in December 2021, the leaders addressed the Teesta water-sharing issue. Although no formal agreement was made, there were signs of renewed commitment to resolving the dispute.

 The Federal Perspective on the Teesta River Issue

• Article 253 of the Indian Constitution grants the Union Government the authority to enter into treaties with riparian states regarding transboundary river waters.
• However, such actions must consider the social, political, and environmental impacts on the catchment area, and cannot be done arbitrarily.
• In 2011, the West Bengal government commissioned a study on the Teesta issue, led by the prominent hydrologist Kalyan Rudra.
• This approach is not acceptable to Bangladesh, which primarily needs water during the December to April period, the time when water availability is at its lowest.

West Bengal’s Objections

Connection to Global Warming: According to a Mumbai-based think tank, the Strategic Foresight Group, many glaciers in the Teesta River basin have receded due to global warming.

Estimates indicate that the Teesta River has an average flow of approximately 60 billion cubic meters, with significant flow occurring between June and September, while the period from October to April is considered a lean season.

A treaty that alters water distribution could lead to the drying out of northern West Bengal, adversely affecting farmers in the region.

The Teesta Barrage in Bangladesh, established in 1998, has allowed Bangladeshi farmers to achieve three cropping seasons per year, and they may not require additional water.

In West Bengal, a project aims to irrigate 922,000 hectares in North Bengal and provide 67.60 MW of hydropower. Sharing water with Bangladesh could jeopardize this project.

Alternative Solutions Proposed by West Bengal:

Mamata Banerjee has suggested sharing water from rivers like the Torsa, which is closer to the Sikkim-Bangladesh border. The Torsa River connects with Bangladesh’s Padma River. She proposed that both countries establish a commission to assess the water flow in the Torsa and determine the amount that can be shared.

 Bangladesh’s Position on the Teesta River Dispute

• India currently receives 55% of the river water.
• Bangladesh, however, seeks 50% of the water from December to May each year, as this is when water flow to the country significantly decreases.
• The excessive withdrawal of water by India has left over 100,000 hectares of land in Rangpur, a crucial rice-growing region, unable to be cultivated for winter crops.
• Bangladesh is therefore demanding a fair share of the river’s waters during the dry season.

 Political Angle of the Teesta River Dispute

• The previous Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government, led by Begum Khaleda Zia, was less receptive to India’s concerns. During its time in power from 1991 to 1996 and again from 2001 to 2006, the BNP provided refuge to leaders and members of various Northeast-based terrorist organizations.
• In contrast, Sheikh Hasina’s Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) party adopted policies favourable to India and enforced a zero-tolerance stance against anti-Indian terrorist groups, leading to the banning of ULFA. This cooperation between the two nations helped finalize the land boundary agreement.
• The anticipated Teesta River water deal is expected to enhance Delhi’s political leverage, which it believes is crucial for countering the growing influence of China in the Bay of Bengal region.

Conclusion

Bangladesh is a crucial neighbor for India, sharing a rich history, culture, religion, and numerous other commonalities.

For Bangladesh, the Teesta water issue remains a source of prolonged frustration with India.

India’s cooperation with Bangladesh is vital for addressing security concerns and achieving a terror-free environment.

Additionally, Bangladesh plays a key role in connecting India with its northeastern region.

Given the strategic significance of Bangladesh, India, as a responsible upper riparian state, should take proactive measures to expedite the conclusion of the Teesta water agreement.

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