Teesta River

Teesta River Latest News

Recently, Bangladesh welcomed Chinese participation in the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project.

About the Teesta River

• Geographical significance: The Teesta River is a major transboundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh, serving as a crucial water resource for both nations.
• Origin: The river originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake at an elevation of approximately 5,280 meters in North Sikkim, India. 
  • Other sources cited include the Pahunri Glacier, Khangse Glacier, and Chho Lhamo Lake.
• Course: The Teesta flows southward through the Sikkim Himalayas, passing towns like Rangpo, and then through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it joins the Brahmaputra River (known as the Jamuna River in Bangladesh). 
  • Historically, the Teesta was a major tributary of the Ganges River.
• Length and basin area: The river spans approximately 414 kilometers, with a drainage basin covering around 12,540 square kilometers. Notably, 83% of the basin lies in India, while 17% is in Bangladesh.
• Tributaries:
  • Left-bank tributaries: Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, and Rangpo Chhu.
  • Right-bank tributaries: Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, and Rangit River.
• 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.
    • Barakhata Teesta Barrage: Another significant irrigation infrastructure.

Teesta River FAQs

Q1. Where does the Teesta River originate?
Ans. The Teesta River originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal and Bangladesh before merging with the Brahmaputra.

Q2. What is the Teesta River water-sharing dispute?
Ans. India and Bangladesh have an ongoing dispute over Teesta’s water distribution, with Bangladesh seeking a fair share, while West Bengal expresses concerns over water availability.

Q3. What is the ecological significance of the Teesta River?
Ans. The river supports rich biodiversity, agriculture, and hydropower projects, but glacial retreat and human activities threaten its flow.

Source: TH