Key Facts about Teesta River

Key Facts about the Teesta River: A Guide for UPSC Aspirants

The Teesta River, often referred to as the “Lifeline of Sikkim,” is one of the most important rivers in the northeastern region of India. Originating in the Himalayas, the river holds significant ecological, cultural, and geopolitical importance. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Teesta River is essential as it intersects multiple domains such as geography, environment, and international relations.

Basic Facts about the Teesta River

1. Source: The Teesta River originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim, situated at an altitude of about 5,330 meters in the Himalayas.

2. Course:

   • It flows through Sikkim, West Bengal, and parts of Bangladesh.
   • The river merges with the Brahmaputra River (called Jamuna in Bangladesh) near the Kurigram district in Bangladesh.

3. Length: Approximately 315 kilometers.

4. Drainage Basin: Covers parts of India (Sikkim and West Bengal) and Bangladesh.

5. Tributaries:

   • Right-Bank Tributaries: Rangeet, Rangpo, and Dik Chu.
   • Left-Bank Tributaries: Lachung Chu and Talung Chu.

Geographical Features

1. Terrain

The Teesta River flows through varied terrains, starting from the glacial regions of Sikkim, traversing through narrow gorges, and finally entering the fertile plains of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

2. Climate Influence

• The river’s flow is largely influenced by glacial melt and monsoonal rains.

• Seasonal variations significantly affect its water volume.

3. Biodiversity

• The Teesta basin is rich in flora and fauna, hosting diverse ecosystems ranging from alpine meadows to tropical forests.

• Key species include red pandas, snow leopards, and various migratory birds.

Economic Importance

1. Irrigation

• The river supports agriculture in Sikkim, North Bengal, and parts of Bangladesh by providing irrigation.

• Crops like paddy, maize, and tea depend heavily on its waters.

2. Hydropower

• The Teesta River is a significant source of hydropower in Sikkim and West Bengal.

• Major hydropower projects include the Teesta-V and Teesta-III dams.

3. Tourism

• The scenic beauty of the Teesta River attracts tourists for activities like rafting, trekking, and eco-tourism.

Geopolitical Significance

• Cyclone Bhola (1970): One of the deadliest cyclones in recorded history, ita

  1. India-Bangladesh Relations

  • The Teesta River is at the center of a water-sharing dispute between India and Bangladesh.

  • Bangladesh demands an equitable share of the Teesta’s waters to support its agricultural activities, especially in the northern regions.

  • India’s position involves balancing domestic needs (mainly in West Bengal) with international obligations.

  2. Teesta Water Sharing Agreement

  • Proposed in 2011, the agreement aims to share the Teesta waters equally between India and Bangladesh.

  • However, it has faced delays due to opposition from the West Bengal government, citing concerns about reduced water availability for its farmers.

  struck East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Bengal, causing over 300,000 deaths.

• Cyclone Nargis (2008): This cyclone hit Myanmar and also affected parts of India, particularly Andhra Pradesh, causing significant damage and loss of life.

• Cyclone Phailin (2013): A very severe cyclonic storm that impacted Odisha and Andhra Pradesh, causing extensive damage to infrastructure and agriculture.

• Cyclone Fani (2019): One of the strongest cyclones to hit Odisha in decades, causing widespread damage and requiring massive evacuation efforts.

Environmental Concerns

1. Climate Change

   • The melting of glaciers feeding the Teesta has accelerated due to rising global temperatures.
   • This impacts the river’s seasonal flow, causing floods during the monsoon and water scarcity during the dry season.

2. Deforestation and Soil Erosion

   • Large-scale deforestation in the catchment area has led to increased soil erosion and sedimentation in the river.

3. Pollution

   • Urbanization and unregulated waste disposal are contributing to the river’s pollution, affecting aquatic life.

4. Hydropower Projects

   • While hydropower projects generate clean energy, they have also led to displacement of communities and ecological disruptions.

Cultural and Historical Significance

• The Teesta River holds a special place in the cultural traditions of the people in Sikkim and Bengal.
• It is revered as a sacred river by the local communities.
• Historically, the river served as a trade route between Tibet and Bengal.

Key Initiatives and Projects

1. Teesta Barrage Project

   • Located in West Bengal, it aims to improve irrigation and generate hydropower.

2. Hydropower Development in Sikkim

   • Sikkim has developed several hydropower projects on the Teesta, contributing to its economy.

3. Joint River Commission (India-Bangladesh)

   • The commission facilitates discussions on the equitable sharing of river waters, including the Teesta.

Conclusion

The Teesta River is more than just a waterbody; it is a lifeline for the millions of people who depend on it for agriculture, energy, and sustenance. However, its potential is marred by geopolitical disputes, environmental challenges, and the impacts of climate change. For UPSC aspirants, understanding the Teesta River offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of geography, environment, and international relations, making it a crucial topic for comprehensive preparation.

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