Key Facts about Teesta River

About Teesta River

• It is a trans-Himalayan River flowing through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal and, Rangpur in Bangladesh.
• It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• Origin: It originates in the Himalayas and flows through the Indian States of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it flows into the Brahmaputra. 
• It has a total length of about 309 kilometers.
• Flowing through the length of Sikkim, the Teesta River is considered to be the lifeline of the state
• The flow of the Teesta is greatest during the summer (June to September), when the monsoon rains are heaviest and glaciers supply abundant meltwater.
• Main Tributary: Rangeet River

What is a Monsoon?

• A monsoon is a shift in winds that often causes a very rainy season or a very dry season.
• What causes a monsoon?
  • A monsoon is caused by a seasonal shift in the winds.
  • The winds shift because the temperature of the land and the temperature of the water are different as seasons change.
  • For example, at the beginning of summer, the land warms up faster than bodies of water. Monsoon winds always blow from cold to warm.
  • In the summer, warm air rising off the land creates conditions that reverse the direction of the wind.
  • Although monsoons are usually associated with parts of Asia, they can happen in many tropical and subtropical regions.

Q1) Which are the main tributaries of Brahmaputra River?

The tributaries namely Subansiri, Ronganadi, Dikrong, Buroi, Borgong, Jiabharali, Dhansiri (North) Puthimari, Manas, Beki, Aie, Sonkosh are the main tributaries on the North while the Noadehing, Buridehing, Desang, Dikhow, Bhogdoi, Dhansiri (South), Kopilli, Kulsi, Krishnai, Dhdhnoi, Jinjiran are the main tributaries on the south bank of the river Brahmaputra.

Source: Tourism department of Gorkhaland Territorial Administration resumes rafting on Teesta river