Teesta River Management

The Teesta River management issue has resurfaced as Bangladesh approaches China for assistance. This development raises concerns for India regarding its diplomatic relations with Bangladesh and the growing influence of China in South Asia. The Teesta River plays important role in the livelihoods of millions. However, its water-sharing agreement remains unresolved, causing tension between the two nations.

Teesta River

• The Teesta River is a major transboundary river flowing from India into Bangladesh.
• It traverses Sikkim and West Bengal before reaching Bangladesh.
• The river is vital for irrigation and drinking water.
• However, the distribution of its waters has been a contentious issue for decades.
• The flow of the river during the lean season is particularly problematic.

Teesta Water-Sharing Agreement

India and Bangladesh have struggled to establish a water-sharing agreement for the Teesta River. Talks for a deal were nearly successful during former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to Dhaka in 2011. However, internal political dynamics, particularly opposition from West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, stalled progress. The river is crucial for irrigating over 120,000 hectares of land in northern West Bengal.

Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP)

The TRCMRP aims to address water resource management, flood control, and pollution in the Teesta River. Initiated by Bangladesh, the project seeks to ensure equitable water distribution for agriculture and domestic use. It also focuses on ecosystem restoration and community engagement in conservation efforts.

China’s Involvement

Bangladesh has renewed its partnership with China for the TRCMRP. Recently, the Bangladesh Water Development Board signed an extension with PowerChina to continue the project. This collaboration includes preparing a concept paper and conducting a feasibility study, with concerns arising in India over China’s expanding influence in the region.

India’s Response

In response to Bangladesh’s renewed ties with China, India announced a technical team visit to study the Teesta management project. This move aims to reinforce India’s role in the water-sharing discussions. India’s involvement is crucial as it is the upper riparian country, impacting water flow into Bangladesh.

Challenges Ahead

The Teesta River faces challenges, including seasonal water scarcity, sedimentation, and pollution. The Bangladesh government emphasises the need for a multilateral approach involving India, China, the World Bank, and the Asian Development Bank. This would ensure ecological safeguards and cost-effectiveness in managing the river.

Geopolitical Implications

Bangladesh’s engagement with China raises geopolitical concerns for India. The Teesta River basin is strategically located near India’s northeastern borders. Experts warn that Chinese involvement may lead to security threats in the region. The formation of a Bangladesh-China-Pakistan axis could further complicate India’s security landscape.

Future Prospects

The future of the Teesta River management hinges on collaborative efforts between India and Bangladesh. A long-pending bilateral agreement is essential for sustainable management. The upcoming feasibility studies and public consultations will play a critical role in shaping the project’s direction.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the geopolitical implications of Bangladesh’s reliance on China for the Teesta River management project.
2. What are the potential environmental impacts of the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project? Estimate the challenges that may arise.
3. Point out the historical context of the Teesta water-sharing agreement. How has it evolved over the years?
4. With suitable examples, underline the significance of transboundary river management in South Asia.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the geopolitical implications of Bangladesh’s reliance on China for the Teesta River management project.

1. Bangladesh’s partnership with China could enhance China’s influence in South Asia, challenging India’s traditional dominance.
2. The Teesta River basin’s strategic location near India’s northeastern borders raises security concerns for India.
3. China’s involvement may lead to increased espionage activities and security threats in border regions.
4. Potential for a Bangladesh-China-Pakistan axis could further complicate the geopolitical landscape in the region.
5. India’s response, including sending technical teams, reflects its efforts to maintain influence and counterbalance China’s presence.

2. What are the potential environmental impacts of the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project? Estimate the challenges that may arise.

1. Pollution levels may decrease due to proposed regulations, improving water quality for local communities.
2. Restoration of the riverine ecosystem aims to enhance biodiversity and ecological balance.
3. Seasonal water scarcity issues may persist if equitable water distribution is not effectively managed.
4. Challenges include sedimentation and the need for community engagement in conservation efforts.
5. Implementation of the project requires careful consideration of ecological safeguards to prevent adverse impacts.

3. Point out the historical context of the Teesta water-sharing agreement. How has it evolved over the years?

1. The Teesta water-sharing negotiations date back decades, with tensions arising from water distribution during lean seasons.
2. Attempts to finalize an agreement were nearly successful during Manmohan Singh’s 2011 visit to Dhaka but were stalled by political opposition.
3. West Bengal’s Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s opposition marks regional political sensitivities affecting bilateral agreements.
4. Recent joint statements from India and Bangladesh indicate a renewed focus on water resource management and cooperation.
5. The evolution of discussions reflects changing political dynamics and the need for technical collaboration between both nations.

4. With suitable examples, underline the significance of transboundary river management in South Asia.

1. Transboundary rivers like the Ganges and Brahmaputra are crucial for agriculture and livelihoods in multiple countries, requiring collaborative management.
2. The Indus Water Treaty between India and Pakistan exemplifies a successful framework for managing shared water resources despite political tensions.
3. Effective management can prevent conflicts over water scarcity, as seen in the Ganges basin cooperation efforts.
4. Transboundary management encourages regional cooperation, promoting sustainable development and ecological preservation.
5. Challenges such as differing national interests highlight the necessity of multilateral agreements for effective river management in South Asia.