Teesta River

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: 
  • 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). 
  • 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.
• The Teesta River is famous for water sports like whitewater river rafting.

Source: TELE

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