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Teesta Water Dispute

The Teesta Water Dispute is a longstanding issue between India and Bangladesh over the equitable sharing of the Teesta River’s water, which flows through both countries. [1] The Teesta River, spanning 414 kilometers, originates in the Indian state of Sikkim and passes through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it merges with the Brahmaputra River. The river is crucial for agriculture and irrigation, particularly in northern Bangladesh, where it supports the livelihoods of millions.[2]

Historical background

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The dispute over the Teesta River dates back to the partition of India in 1947, when the river's catchment areas became divided between India and the newly-formed state of East Pakistan, now Bangladesh. The issue resurfaced after Bangladesh gained independence in 1971. In 1983, a temporary water-sharing agreement was made between the two nations, giving India 39% of the river's water and Bangladesh 36%. However, this arrangement was never formalized into a permanent treaty, and discussions have since been ongoing. [3]

Efforts to secure a comprehensive agreement progressed in 2011, with a draft treaty that proposed allocating 37.5% of the Teesta’s water to Bangladesh during the dry season. However, opposition from West Bengal's Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, citing concerns about water scarcity in her state, stalled the agreement. This internal political dynamic in India has posed a significant challenge to resolving the dispute.[4]

Geopolitical significance

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The Teesta River is critical to both India and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, the river supports agriculture in the Teesta Basin, where water shortages have severely impacted agricultural productivity. According to the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Bangladesh loses approximately 1.5 million tons of rice annually due to the water shortage, with future losses expected to rise. [5]

In India, particularly in the state of West Bengal, the Teesta is vital for irrigation and power generation. Several hydropower projects are located in the river’s upper catchment areas, and nearly half a dozen districts in North Bengal depend on its waters. The dispute illustrates the difficulty of balancing domestic needs with international water-sharing agreements, especially in the face of political opposition within India.[6]

 
The Teesta Low Dam - III highlights the river's role in India-Bangladesh water-sharing disputes, affecting regional energy and security dynamics.

Recent developments

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In 2024, the Teesta dispute resurfaced following the resignation of Bangladesh’s pro-Indian Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, prioritized resuming talks with India on the Teesta River issue. [7] Syeda Rizwana Hasan, water resources adviser to the interim government, reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to advancing the Teesta water-sharing agreement. After meeting with a World Bank delegation, she emphasized that Bangladesh would assert its rights over the river while engaging with the local population.[8]

Challenges

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The Teesta Barrage Project in India is designed to improve water supply for agriculture in six northern districts of West Bengal and generate 67.50 MW of hydropower. The project includes the Teesta Barrage, Mahananda Barrage, and extensive Canal systems|canal systems. Significant progress has been made in the construction of the barrages and canal distribution systems, enhancing the region’s irrigation and hydropower capabilities. [9]

In Bangladesh, the Teesta remains essential for agriculture, supporting millions of farmers in six districts. A fair water-sharing agreement is crucial for ensuring food security and economic stability. [10] The evolving political landscape in Bangladesh, under the interim government of Muhammad Yunus, offers renewed opportunities for negotiations on the Teesta treaty. [11] However, Bangladesh faces diplomatic challenges in balancing its relations with both India and China, particularly regarding the $1 billion Teesta River project backed by China. While China offers infrastructure development, India is concerned about the strategic security implications and seeks to limit China's influence in the region. [12]

The evolving geopolitics of the Bengal Basin, with the U.S. expressing concerns about regional dominance, underscores Bangladesh's strategic importance within the broader Indo-Pacific framework. [13]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Anuttama Banerji (2021-04-09). "India Must Settle the Teesta River Dispute With Bangladesh for Lasting Gains". The Diplomat.
  2. ^ Abdul, Hasnat (2024-05-14). "The political economy of Teesta River". The Financial Express.
  3. ^ Siddique, Abu (2022-09-14). "Latest water-sharing deal between Bangladesh, India is 'drop in the ocean'". mongabay.com.
  4. ^ Md. Jahid-Al-Mamun (2024-05-22). "India's Teesta River funding: ambition or illusion?". Asia Times.
  5. ^ Hasnat Abdul Hye (2024-05-14). "The political economy of Teesta River". The Financial Express.
  6. ^ Bagchi, Suvojit (2017-04-08). "What is the lowdown on sharing of Teesta waters?". The Hindu.
  7. ^ "Bangladesh's interim govt 'keen to restart talks' on Teesta water treaty with India". The Indian Express. 2024-09-02.
  8. ^ "Won't back down on Teesta issue: Rizwana". The Business Post. 2024-08-21.
  9. ^ "Irrigation Section". Irrigation & Waterways Department, Government of West Bengal.
  10. ^ Hasnat Abdul Hye (2024-05-14). "The political economy of Teesta river". The Financial Express.
  11. ^ "Yunus calls for resolving issues over Teesta water-sharing treaty with India". The Business Standard. 2024-09-06.
  12. ^ Kamal Uddin Mazumder (2024-05-22). "Teesta River Project Pushes Bangladesh Into China-India Cold War". The Diplomat.
  13. ^ "US against dominance of any particular country in Indo-Pacific: Foreign secretary". The Business Standard. 2023-09-05.
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