The Teesta River water-sharing dispute between India and Bangladesh primarily revolves around the equitable, long-term allocation of the river's water during the dry season (DecemberâMay).
- It involves a standoff over Bangladeshâs demand for a higher share for agriculture versus Indiaâs unilateral control of water via the Gazoldoba Barrage in West Bengal.
Key aspects of the dispute include:
- Dry Season Scarcity: The lack of a formal, binding treaty leads to acute water shortages in Bangladesh during dry months, impacting millions of farmers and local ecosystems.
- Upstream vs. Downstream Interest: India, as the upstream user, has constructed the Teesta Barrage Project at Gazoldoba to divert water for irrigation in West Bengal, significantly reducing flow into Bangladesh.
- Allocation Disagreements: Bangladesh seeks a 50% share, while historic negotiations have faltered over proposed splits, including a 2011 draft deal that was stalled by West Bengal state officials due to domestic supply fears.
- Geopolitical Concerns: The issue is a major point of tension in bilateral relations, with potential implications for Chinaâs involvement in managing the river, a factor that concerns India's national security interests near the Siliguri Corridor.
The dispute remains unresolved, with both nations struggling to balance domestic agricultural needs with diplomatic cooperation