TEESTA RIVER MANAGEMENT

GS2 GOVERNANCE: 

The Teesta River, a crucial waterway for both India and Bangladesh, has once again become a source of diplomatic tensions. Bangladesh’s decision to seek China’s assistance for the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) has raised concerns in New Delhi about Beijing’s expanding influence in South Asia.

About the Teesta River

• Flows through India and Bangladesh, supporting millions of people.
• Spans 414 km, with 151 km in Sikkim, 142 km in West Bengal, and 121 km in Bangladesh.
• Essential for agriculture, drinking water, and biodiversity.
• Water-sharing disputes arise, particularly during dry seasons.

Teesta Water-Sharing Dispute

• The water-sharing pact has been delayed due to political challenges in India.
• Opposition from West Bengal’s Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee, has stalled agreements.
• Diplomatic friction persists, despite past negotiations, including an attempt during PM Manmohan Singh’s 2011 visit.

Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP)

• Aims to improve water management, flood control, and ecosystem restoration.
• Seeks sustainable water distribution, pollution reduction, and community engagement.
• Bangladesh has enlisted PowerChina for feasibility studies and implementation.

India’s Concerns and Response

• India plans to send a technical team to discuss Teesta’s management.
• Worries over China’s growing presence and possible strategic interests in the region.
• The move is part of India’s efforts to counter Chinese influence in Bangladesh.

China’s Role in the Project

• China’s involvement aligns with its broader strategic objectives in South Asia.
• The 2016 China-Bangladesh agreements included infrastructure and river management projects.
• A memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Bangladesh’s Water Development Board and PowerChina has heightened India’s apprehensions.

Future Implications

• Bangladesh’s engagement with China may shift regional power dynamics.
• The interim Bangladeshi government has mandated public hearings and a master plan by December 2026.
• Experts suggest a multilateral approach involving India, China, and international institutions for better management.

Geopolitical Context

• The Teesta basin lies close to India’s northeastern corridor, a strategically sensitive area.
• Rising Chinese influence in Bangladesh could impact regional security and border stability.
• The possibility of a Bangladesh-China-Pakistan alignment adds complexity to the geopolitical landscape.