TEESTA TREATY

• The Teesta Treaty refers to a proposed water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh, focusing on the distribution of the Teesta River's waters. The Teesta River originates in the Indian state of Sikkim, flows through West Bengal, and then enters Bangladesh before merging with the Brahmaputra River
• The Teesta River is crucial for irrigation and agriculture in both India and Bangladesh. The proposed treaty aims to equitably share the river's waters, especially during the dry season when water scarcity is a significant issue
• Negotiations have been ongoing for several decades, with both countries recognizing the importance of a fair distribution to maintain agricultural productivity and support livelihoods
• The Teesta Treaty is seen as a critical component of bilateral relations between India and Bangladesh, with successful negotiations potentially strengthening ties and fostering greater cooperation in other areas

• The Teesta River is a lifeline for irrigation, particularly in the northern regions of West Bengal in India and the northwestern parts of Bangladesh. It supports the cultivation of crops such as rice, maize, and jute
• Millions of farmers and their families depend on the Teesta's waters for their livelihoods, making it a crucial resource for rural economies
• The river basin supports a diverse range of flora and fauna, contributing to the region's biodiversity
• Maintaining the flow of the Teesta is essential for sustaining the ecological balance of the region, including wetlands, forests, and wildlife habitats
• The Teesta River has significant potential for hydropower generation. India has several hydropower projects on the river, contributing to the region's energy needs
• Hydropower from the Teesta is a source of renewable energy, helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change impacts
• The river's water is vital for agriculture, which is a key component of the economies of both West Bengal and Bangladesh
• The river supports local fisheries, providing an important source of food and income for local communities
• The Teesta River has cultural and historical significance for the communities living along its banks. It features in local folklore, traditions, and religious practices
• Historically, the Teesta has been part of important trade and travel routes, contributing to the cultural exchange and economic development of the region
• The Teesta River is a key factor in India-Bangladesh relations. The unresolved water-sharing dispute has significant geopolitical implications, influencing diplomatic and economic ties between the two countries

• If Teesta's water is shared with Bangladesh, it will severely impact hundreds of thousands of people in North Bengal.
• This is not the first time she has opposed the proposed water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh.
• There are 54 rivers flowing between the two countries, making river water sharing a significant bilateral issue.
• India and Bangladesh reached an agreement on sharing the Ganga's waters in 1996 after the Farakka Barrage was constructed.
• By the 2010s, the focus shifted to the Teesta's water-sharing. In 2011, during the United Progressive Alliance-II administration, India and Bangladesh were on the verge of signing a Teesta water-sharing agreement, but Ms. Banerjee withdrew her support, leaving the agreement pending since then

•  Bangladesh seeks a fair distribution of the Teesta's waters, especially during the dry season (December to March), when water scarcity is most acute
• Bangladesh has proposed that it should receive 50% of the Teesta's waters during the lean season to meet its agricultural and domestic water needs
• The Teesta River is vital for irrigation in northwestern Bangladesh, a region heavily dependent on agriculture. Adequate water supply is essential for crop cultivation, food security, and the livelihoods of millions of farmers
• Insufficient water flow from the Teesta severely impacts agricultural productivity, leading to economic challenges for the farming community
• Bangladesh emphasises the importance of maintaining the ecological balance of the Teesta River. Adequate water flow is necessary to sustain the river's biodiversity and prevent environmental degradation
•  Ensuring sufficient water flow can help mitigate the adverse effects of water scarcity, such as soil erosion, reduced groundwater recharge, and habitat loss
• Bangladesh highlights the need for India to honor previous water-sharing agreements, such as the 1996 Ganges Water Treaty, which set a precedent for cooperation
•  In 2011, a draft agreement proposed that India would receive 42.5% and Bangladesh 37.5% of the Teesta's waters. Bangladesh urges India to finalize this or a similar agreement to resolve the dispute