A Bilateral Water-Sharing Agreement: A Necessity for India and Bangladesh
The intricate geography of the Indian subcontinent has made water-sharing a sensitive issue between India and its neighbors. Many rivers in India originate from the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau, positioning both India and Bangladesh as lower riparian states in certain cases. This dynamic places an obligation on upper riparian states to ensure equitable and just distribution of water. Among the unresolved disputes, the Teesta water-sharing issue remains a critical challenge in India-Bangladesh relations, requiring immediate attention and resolution.
India’s history of successful water-sharing treaties, such as the Indus Water Treaty, highlights its reliability as a partner in managing transboundary water resources. The Ganges Water Treaty, signed in 1996, has been a cornerstone of India-Bangladesh water cooperation. As this treaty is set to expire in 2026, both nations have a significant opportunity to revisit and formalize an agreement on the Teesta River.
The Teesta River flows through India’s Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. Spanning 414 kilometers and covering a drainage area of approximately 12,159 square kilometers, the river is vital for both countries. While 83 percent of the river lies within India, Bangladesh heavily depends on the remaining 17 percent. Historically, the river had an average maximum flow of 280,000 cusecs, but the construction of the Gajoldoba Barrage in India in 1975 significantly reduced its flow during the dry season, leaving downstream Bangladesh with as little as 1,000 cusecs or less during droughts. An ad hoc agreement in 1983 proposed a water-sharing ratio of 39 percent for India, 36 percent for Bangladesh, and 25 percent unallocated. However, this arrangement was never converted into a formal treaty, leaving Bangladesh vulnerable to reduced water flow.
In response to water scarcity and flooding, Bangladesh launched the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project. This ambitious billion-dollar initiative aims to stabilize water flow, improve irrigation, and drive economic development along the riverbanks. The plan includes deepening the river to manage seasonal flooding, constructing reservoirs to store monsoon water for dry season use, enhancing irrigation infrastructure to boost agricultural productivity, and developing roads, satellite towns, and industrial zones along the riverbanks. These efforts aim to improve the livelihoods of thousands of people dependent on the Teesta.
Initially, China showed interest in funding the project, but Bangladesh prioritized India as a partner, recognizing India’s strategic concerns near the northeastern borders. This decision avoided potential conflicts that could have arisen from China’s involvement, considering India’s security sensitivities in the region.
Despite recent political turbulence in Bangladesh affecting bilateral ties, both nations are steadily restoring their relationship. Initiatives like India’s export of 200,000 tonnes of rice to Bangladesh and the steady flow of Bangladeshi medical tourists to India highlight mutual interdependence. A joint technical committee has been formed to assess the feasibility of India’s proposals. This momentum could serve as a foundation for resolving the Teesta issue and enhancing cooperation.
With the expiration of the Ganges Water Treaty approaching in 2026, collaborative efforts on the Teesta could significantly influence future water-sharing agreements. Resolving the Teesta dispute, much like the historic land boundary agreement between the two nations, will require careful attention and a commitment to equitable resource management. A sustainable solution would benefit millions on both sides of the border and strengthen the foundation of India-Bangladesh relations.
Harsh Pandey is a PhD Candidate at the School of International Studies, JNU, New Delhi.
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