Teesta Tension: Water Dispute Between West Bengal and Bangladesh Heats Up

Trinamool Congress MP Ritabrata Banerjee insists that the Indian central government should consult West Bengal before releasing Teesta River water to Bangladesh. With major concerns around water scarcity and regional impact, discussions are urged involving West Bengal in the renewal of the Indo-Bangladesh agreements.

In a heated plea, Trinamool Congress MP Ritabrata Banerjee has pressed the central government to engage with West Bengal before making decisions on Teesta River water sharing with Bangladesh, a matter crucial to the state.

Banerjee highlighted that Teesta, as the second largest river in West Bengal, plays a vital role in the region's water flow. He underscored that this critical resource is already under strain due to hydropower projects in Sikkim, rampant deforestation, and changing climate patterns.

With Indo-Bangladesh agreements approaching renewal and the Farakka treaty set to expire in 2026, Banerjee warned of the dire consequences such deals could have on West Bengal's population, affecting everything from irrigation to drinking water supplies. He called for an Indo-Bhutan River Commission to address cross-border flash floods' impact.

(With inputs from agencies.)