Teesta river dispute: A geopolitical issue of India and Bangladesh

Teesta is a 414 km long river originating in Sikkim which flows through North Bengal and Bangladesh. It is the fourth largest transboundary river between India and Bangladesh with total catchment area of 1.75 million square kilometres.(mirchandani 2016) Teesta is the lifeline of North Bengal as approx. six districts of West Bengal are dependent on the waters of Teesta. According to the report of Asian foundation in 2013, its flood plains covers about 14% of the total cropped area of Bangladesh and provides direct livelihood opportunities to approximately 73% of its population(mirchandani 2016). The Less geographical, more political and intemperate burden of the overgrowing needs of the habitation leads to the water dispute between India and Bangladesh. Both the countries have different needs, demands and perspectives regarding the water sharing issues. It is estimated that Teesta River has a mean annual flow of 60 billion cubic meter and out of which significant amount flows in the wet season between June to September later. There is scant flow wherein the average flow gets reduced to about 500 million cubic meters per month. (mirchandani 2016)This creates issues of equitable sharing during lean seasons. Historically, the progress of both the countries is hinged on the water sharing issues therefore, for a robust relationship to develop between two countries, a resolution to the dispute is the need of the hour.