From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Teesta River
Why in the News?
The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has approved the reconstruction of the Teesta-III Dam, which was destroyed by a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) in October 2023.
About Teesta River
- The Teesta River is a transboundary river flowing through India and Bangladesh.
- Originates from Tso Lhamo Lake, Sikkim, at 5,330 meters in the Himalayas.
- Major tributary of the Brahmaputra River (Jamuna in Bangladesh).
- Vital for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and water supply in Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh.
- The Teesta Water Dispute remains unresolved, with Bangladesh seeking an equitable share of water.
Geographical Features:
- Length: 414 km (309 km in India, 105 km in Bangladesh).
- Basin Area: 12,159 sq. km in Sikkim and North Bengal.
- Originates in North Sikkim → flows through West Bengal → enters Bangladesh before merging with the Brahmaputra River.
- Passes through major towns like Mangan, Kalimpong, Jalpaiguri, and Rangpo.
- Tributaries:
- Left-bank: Rangit, Relli, Great Rangit.
- Right-bank: Lachung, Lachen, Talung.
- It supports Himalayan biodiversity, crucial for tea plantations and terrace farming.
Conservation Initiatives:
- National River Conservation Plan (NRCP): Includes efforts to reduce pollution and improve water quality of the Teesta.
- Teesta Barrage Project (West Bengal): Aimed at irrigation development and hydroelectric power generation in North Bengal.
- Hydroelectric Projects in Sikkim: Several Teesta Hydropower Projects (Teesta Stage III, IV, V, VI, etc.) have been established to generate renewable energy while ensuring minimum ecological impact.
- India-Bangladesh Water Sharing Talks: Ongoing diplomatic negotiations to resolve the Teesta water-sharing dispute, ensuring equitable distribution.
- Catchment Area Treatment (CAT) Plan: Implemented to prevent soil erosion and siltation, protecting river health.
| PYQ:
[2017] With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: 1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. 2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. 3. River Teesta falls into Bay of Bengal at the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 |
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