Bangladesh Renews Push for Teesta Water Sharing Agreement

Why in the News ?

Bangladesh has renewed its demand for the long-pending Teesta water-sharing agreement with India following political developments in West Bengal, highlighting the continued importance of transboundary river management in India-Bangladesh bilateral relations.

Bangladesh’s Renewed Demand on Teesta Agreement:

●  Bangladesh urged India to reconsider the Teesta water-sharing agreement under the present political circumstances.

●  Khalilur Rahman stated that the 2011 draft agreement should now be revisited.

●  The demand followed the BJP’s victory in the West Bengal Assembly elections.

●  The issue remained unresolved partly due to differences between the Central government and the previous West Bengal government.

●  Bangladesh considers Teesta water crucial for the livelihood and agriculture of northern regions, emphasizing the need for a pollution free environment and sustainable water management.

●  Dhaka described the issue as a matter of “life and death” for affected communities.

●  Bangladesh also warned it would take necessary measures against any future “push-in” incidents from the Indian side.

●  The statement marks Dhaka’s first major diplomatic response after the West Bengal election results.

Diplomatic and Strategic Dimensions

●  The original Teesta agreement was negotiated during the Manmohan Singh government in 2011.

●  However, the agreement could not be finalised due to opposition from the then West Bengal leadership.

●  Bangladesh Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman is also expected to discuss the Teesta issue during his visit to China.

●  Discussions may include the Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project backed by China, which requires proper environmental clearance and adherence to environmental impact assessment protocols under international standards.

●  The issue highlights the growing strategic competition between India and China in South Asia.

●  Political leaders in Bangladesh expressed hope for improved India-Bangladesh relations under aligned governments.

●  Concerns also remain regarding statements on illegal immigration and border management.

●  The Teesta dispute continues to influence broader regional diplomacy and neighbourhood relations.

Environmental and Regulatory Framework

●  Any major river management project requires comprehensive environmental clearances under the EIA Notification framework.

●  The precautionary principle and polluter pays principle form the foundation of environmental jurisprudence in transboundary water projects.

●  River basin management must comply with the Forest Conservation Act and consider impacts on coastal regulation zone areas downstream.

●  Experts emphasize that ex post facto or retrospective environmental clearances should be avoided, and proper environmental impact assessment must precede project implementation.

●  Environmental democracy requires stakeholder consultation and transparency in decision-making processes for such critical water-sharing agreements.

About Teesta River & India-Bangladesh Water Sharing: ●  The Teesta River originates in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal and Bangladesh. ●  It is a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River system. ●  Water-sharing disputes arise mainly during the dry season, when river flow decreases significantly. ●  2011 Draft Agreement: ○   Proposed sharing formula between India and Bangladesh. ○   Could not be signed due to lack of consensus with West Bengal. ●  Key Importance: ○   Irrigation, agriculture, drinking water, and livelihoods in northern Bangladesh and eastern India. ●  India-Bangladesh River Cooperation: ○   Governed through the Joint Rivers Commission. ●  Environmental Considerations: ○   River projects must avoid ex-post or post facto approvals and ensure proper environmental clearance procedures. ●  Strategic Significance: ○   River diplomacy plays a major role in India’s Neighbourhood First Policy.