Teesta River Latest News
An army jawan died after a raft capsized in the Teesta River during a training exercise in Sikkim’s Pakyong district recently.
About Teesta River
- It is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna in Bangladesh) and flows through India and Bangladesh.
- Course:Â
- It originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake at an elevation of approximately 5,280 meters in North Sikkim, India.
- It then flows to the south, cutting a deep gorge through the Siwalik Hills east of Darjiling (in West Bengal, India).
- It turns southeast to run through the Sivok Khola pass onto the plains of West Bengal.
- It then enters Bangladesh, where it joins the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna River in Bangladesh).Â
- It is glacier-fed, with sources like Pahurni Glacier, Khangse Glacier, and ChhoLhamo Lake contributing to its flow.
- Length: The river spans approximately 414 kilometers.
- Notably, 83% of the basin lies in India, while 17% is in Bangladesh.
- Tributaries: Major tributaries include Lachung Chhu, Dik Chhu, and Rangpo Chhu on the left bank and the Rangit River on the right bank.
- Hydroelectric Projects and Barrages:
- In India:
- Teesta-V Dam: 510 MW, located in Gangtok district, Sikkim.
- Teesta-III Dam: 1,200 MW, situated in Mangan district, Sikkim.
- Teesta Low Dam III & IV: 132 MW and 160 MW, respectively, both in Kalimpong district, West Bengal.
- Gajoldoba Barrage: Primarily for irrigation purposes in West Bengal.
- In Bangladesh:
- Duani Barrage: Used mainly for irrigation in Bangladesh.
- Barakhata Teesta Barrage: Another significant irrigation infrastructure.
- In India:
- The Teesta River is famous for water sports like whitewater river rafting.
Source: TELE
Teesta River FAQs
Q1: The Teesta River is a major tributary of which river?
Ans: Brahmaputra
Q2: Where does Teesta River originates from?
Ans: It originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake at an elevation of approximately 5,280 meters in North Sikkim, India.
Q3: The Teesta River flows through which countries?
Ans: It flows through India and Bangladesh.
Q4: What is the total length of the Teesta River?
Ans: 414 km