By Emama Tasnim
The Teesta River at the northern part of Bangladesh has been facing the water shortage for decades and that is impacting the overall water security for millions of people undoubtedly who have been living constantly under the poverty line. The river Teesta is crucial for agriculture, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of more than 30 million people in both parts of Bangladesh and India. In the year 2021, China proposed a collaboration with Bangladesh to address the Teesta water crisis, aiming to enhance water security and support regional development.
According to a survey of World Bank, “Only 5% of the world’s renewable water resources are available in the South Asia though it has nearly 25% of the global population.” The Teesta, flowing through India and Bangladesh, is crucial for regional development and water security. The river flowing through the Himalayan corridor- West Bengal, India before merging with the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh. Teesta’s water has been essential for irrigation in northern Bangladesh for centuries. The necessity of water for farming or irrigation is particularly from December to April months. It is unfortunate that Bangladesh often faces shortages during the dry season when water is needed the most.
According to The Diplomat, The Teesta River dispute between India and Bangladesh is rooted into the 1947 partition of India. The issue resurfaced in 1975, after the signing of an interim agreement on Farakka Barrage. In the year 1983, Bangladesh-India reached to a decision regarding a temporary agreement which stated that the 36% of the water will be provided to Bangladesh, 39% to India and reserving 25% for river navigability. This agreement expired in 1985 though briefly extended in 1987. In the year 2011, the Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh proposed a 15-year agreement that was granting 42.5% of the water to India and 37.5% to Bangladesh. It was unfortunate for Bangladesh that it couldn’t see the face of light as West Bengal opposed. Stepping into a new chapter of history, 2024, The Interim government of Bangladesh led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus is trying to prioritize the Teesta issue once again.In an interview with the Indian national news agency PTI at his official residence in Dhaka he stressed that,“By sitting over this issue [water sharing], it is not serving any purpose. If I know how much water I will get, even if I am not happy and sign it, it would be better. This issue has to be resolved.”
Diving into the depth, the scenario is like: in the past, people of this region could count on the river to irrigate lands. But in recent years, the water has been remaining low, people are bound to rely on expensive pump irrigation or even wait for uncertain rainfall. The water shortage has affected the crop yields, and the people’s income has dropped significantly cause most people rely on agricultural income. In some cases, the lack of water has led to crop failures, most cases people use to borrow money for farming, the failure make it impossible to repay loans and putting families on crisis. This is one of the crucial reasons why Rangpur specially Lalmonirhat and Kurigram are the poorest region of Bangladesh.
The proposed Teesta Master Plan by China shows promise by addressing all these issues. The Teesta Master Plan aims to create a network of dams and barrages to regulate river flow, ensuring a year-round water supply and enhancing agricultural productivity in this vulnerable region of Bangladesh. By addressing water scarcity, it seeks to improve agricultural output and regulate the economic development of this area along with a sustainable water management that balances ecological and human demands. It cannot be denied that the master plan has significant economic implications, particularly for revitalizing agriculture in the water-scarce Rangpur region.
With the help of reservoir construction and river flow regulation, the Teesta Master Plan reduces the risk of flooding during the monsoon season, safeguarding people and property. A more dependable supply is ensured by the plan’s resolution of dry season water constraints. Hydroelectric plants lessen reliance on fossil fuels by producing renewable energy. Over extraction is avoided and aquatic ecosystems are preserved by preserving a balanced flow. The plan places a strong emphasis on conserving water to ensure sustainable use, and better infrastructure fosters trade and commercial relations between Bangladesh and India.
To settle the Teesta River water sharing issues and guarantee a fair allocation of resources, India and Bangladesh should implement an integrated strategy to water management. To increase agricultural productivity, the strategy must emphasise sustainable techniques including groundwater recharging, rainwater collection, and contemporary irrigation. To promote economic progress on both sides, both countries should look into cooperative partnerships in power generation and electricity trading. In the Teesta region, sustainable practices should support local economic growth through agriculture, fisheries, and ecotourism while also protecting fish populations and the natural health of the river.
In conclusion, if we want to visualize the possible result or impact of a proper flood control and irrigation infrastructure, we should look into the nearby Indian regions like Sikkim and West Bengal, the way they have revitalized agricultural productivity, contributing to local economic growth and reducing rural poverty over the periods of time.
The Teesta Master Plan not only to enhance water security and crop yields but also represents a significant advancement in regional economical capability. It is high time; a successful agreement and implementation of this master plan would set an example for solving other water disputes between countries and show how nations can work together for the sake of development and overall wellbeing of their people.
Despite its potential to greatly influence the region’s water management, the Teesta Master Plan has obstacles in the areas of climate resilience, cross-border collaboration, stakeholder involvement, environmental sustainability, and infrastructure integration. In order to guarantee the plan’s long-term viability, these holes must be filled.
Bangladesh, India and China are neighboring countries. Teesta Master Plan is a chance for the countries to move past conflicts and focus on mutual benefits. This approach not only meets immediate needs but will also set a positive example for handling similar challenges globally.
The Writer is a Member of Social Research Group (SRG) and an undergradute Student of Public Administration, Comilla University.
