Bangladesh Seeks Alternative Solutions Amidst Stalled Teesta Water Agreement with India

On Monday, Bangladesh’s Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman emphasized the urgency of securing a water-sharing agreement for the Teesta River, labeling the situation as a matter of ‘life and death’ for communities reliant on its waters. The remarks come in light of Bangladesh’s frustrations over the prolonged delays in finalizing the deal with India, which has been pending since 2011 due to political hurdles.

During a press conference, Rahman expressed skepticism about the potential revival of the agreement following the recent victory of the Bharatiya Janata Party in West Bengal’s Assembly elections. He stated, ‘It is premature to speculate on whether a new government would lead to a resolution. A government has not yet been established in West Bengal, and their intentions remain unclear. It’s not my place to predict their actions.’

The Teesta River is a crucial water source for millions in Bangladesh and parts of India, particularly West Bengal. In 2011, both nations reached an in-principle agreement on the sharing of the river’s waters. However, the deal hit a roadblock when West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed concerns that the agreement would adversely affect the water supply for northern Bengal, especially during dry seasons.

Rahman reiterated the need for Bangladesh to explore alternative avenues for addressing its water management challenges rather than remaining passive in light of the stalled negotiations. He stated, ‘While we hope for the treaty’s revival, we cannot afford to just wait indefinitely. Our government has other responsibilities to address the pressing needs of our people.’

The Teesta River, known for its seasonal fluctuations, sees significantly reduced water levels during winter and summer months. This environmental reality has heightened tensions around water rights, as both countries continue to grapple with the implications of climate change and resource management. As Bangladesh pushes forward, there remains a pressing need for dialogue and cooperation between the two nations to ensure sustainable water sharing and management for the communities that depend on the Teesta.

Source: scroll.in