Introduction: Context and Significance of the Teesta Water Deal

The Teesta River originates in the eastern Himalayas and flows through the Indian state of West Bengal before entering Bangladesh’s Rangpur and Dinajpur districts. The river supports irrigation for over 2 million people across both countries. The proposed water-sharing agreement between India and Bangladesh, first drafted in 2011 but yet to be ratified, aims to allocate dry season flows equitably—42.5% to India and 37.5% to Bangladesh, with 20% unallocated. The deal’s revival is critical amid growing water scarcity, climate change impacts, and evolving geopolitical dynamics in South Asia.

The agreement’s significance lies in fostering sustainable bilateral relations, enhancing regional water security, and boosting socio-economic development in the Teesta basin. Bangladesh’s agriculture sector, contributing 13.5% to its GDP, depends heavily on Teesta irrigation, while West Bengal invests ₹3,500 crore annually in irrigation infrastructure. The failure to finalize the treaty has led to inconsistent water flows, economic losses, and political friction.

Legal and Constitutional Framework Governing Teesta Water Sharing

Transboundary river water-sharing agreements like Teesta fall outside the scope of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956, which governs intra-India disputes. Instead, they are governed by international treaty frameworks and diplomatic negotiations under Article 253 of the Indian Constitution, empowering Parliament to enact laws implementing international treaties.

The 1996 Ganges Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh sets a precedent for legally binding water-sharing agreements. However, the Teesta deal remains a draft without formal ratification, lacking a binding legal status. On Bangladesh’s side, the Bangladesh Water Act, 2016 and the Water Resources Planning Organisation (WARPO) Act, 1992 regulate water governance and resource planning, influencing its negotiation stance.

Economic Importance of Teesta River Basin

The Teesta basin supports approximately 1.5 million hectares of irrigated farmland across India and Bangladesh. In Bangladesh, over 70% of the Rangpur district’s population depends on Teesta irrigation for agriculture, which contributes 13.5% to national GDP (Economic Survey Bangladesh, 2023). West Bengal’s annual ₹3,500 crore irrigation budget underscores the river’s importance for Indian agriculture.

Improved water sharing could increase crop yields by 15-20% in both regions, enhancing food security and rural incomes. Furthermore, bilateral trade between India and Bangladesh reached $24.3 billion in FY 2022-23, with potential growth linked to enhanced cooperation in water and infrastructure sectors.

Key Institutions Involved in Teesta Water Management

• Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), India: Leads bilateral negotiations and diplomatic engagement.
• Bangladesh Water Resources Planning Organisation (WARPO): Oversees water resource planning and policy in Bangladesh.
• Central Water Commission (CWC), India: Provides technical assessment and monitoring of river flows.
• Bangladesh Water Development Board (BWDB): Implements water infrastructure projects in Bangladesh.
• India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission (JRC): Bilateral platform for river water issues and data exchange.
• West Bengal State Irrigation Department: Manages regional water distribution and infrastructure.

Data and Climate Change Impact on Teesta River Flow

The Teesta River contributes approximately 1,200 cubic feet per second (cusecs) during the dry season (CWC, 2022). Under the 2011 draft agreement, India’s share is 42.5% of dry season flow, Bangladesh’s 37.5%, and 20% remains unallocated. Bangladesh’s annual GDP loss due to water scarcity in the Teesta basin is estimated at $500 million (World Bank, 2021).

Climate change projections indicate a 10-15% reduction in Teesta river flow by 2050 (IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, 2023), exacerbating water scarcity and increasing the urgency for a cooperative water-sharing framework.

Comparative Analysis: Teesta and Mahakali Water Treaties

Critical Challenges and Gaps in Finalizing the Teesta Deal

The absence of a legally binding, ratified treaty on Teesta water sharing creates uncertainty and inconsistent water flow management. Political sensitivities, especially opposition from West Bengal’s state government, hinder finalization. Unlike the Ganges Treaty, which is legally binding and stable, the Teesta deal remains vulnerable to political fluctuations, limiting joint infrastructure development and economic benefits.

Significance and Way Forward

• Formal ratification of the Teesta water-sharing agreement is essential to ensure equitable and predictable water distribution.
• Incorporating climate change projections into water management plans will improve resilience against future water scarcity.
• Strengthening institutional mechanisms like the India-Bangladesh Joint River Commission can facilitate data sharing and conflict resolution.
• Encouraging sub-national stakeholder engagement, especially with West Bengal, can mitigate political resistance.
• Exploring joint infrastructure projects, including irrigation and hydropower, can enhance mutual economic benefits.

Jharkhand & JPSC Relevance

• JPSC Paper: Paper 2 – International Relations and Water Resource Management
• Jharkhand Angle: While Jharkhand is not directly linked to Teesta, the state faces its own water-sharing challenges with neighbouring states, making the study of transboundary water treaties relevant.
• Mains Pointer: Frame answers highlighting the importance of cooperative water governance, legal frameworks, and climate resilience, drawing parallels with Jharkhand’s inter-state water issues.