Teesta River

The Teesta River is a big river that starts in the Himalayas and goes through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before reaching Bangladesh. It’s known for its beautiful scenery and is very important for farming in both India and Bangladesh. However, the river also brings problems, like flooding during certain times of the year. The Teesta River is important for the culture and economy of

History of Teesta River

The Teesta River, has a long history connected to the places it flows through: Sikkim, West Bengal in India, and Bangladesh. Its story isn’t just about the river but also the people and societies that have thrived alongside it.

Ancient Times: The Teesta River area has been home to old civilizations. In the past, it was part of the Silk Route, a route for trade between Tibet and Bengal’s ports. This made it a pathway for exchanging culture and money.

Sikkim and the Lepchas: In Sikkim, the river holds great importance in the history and culture of the native Lepcha people. They see it as sacred, calling it ‘Rongyong’, and it has been a significant part of their way of life and spiritual beliefs.

Colonial Times: During British rule in India, the Teesta River became important strategically. The British explored its potential for navigation and as a water source for tea plantations, which were doing well in the area. They worked on building infrastructure along the river to support these activities.

After Independence: After India and Bangladesh gained independence, the Teesta became vital for farming, especially in the plains of West Bengal and Bangladesh.

Water Sharing Dispute: In recent times, the Teesta River has been at the center of discussions between India and Bangladesh regarding sharing its water. How the river flows and how its waters are shared are big issues for both countries, affecting the lives and farming of millions of people.

Changes in the Environment and Culture: Over the years, the river has seen significant changes in its environment due to human actions and climate change. These changes have affected the river’s plants and animals and the lives of people who rely on it.

Teesta River Origin

Origin of Teesta river start with eastern Himalayas. It begins at a place called Tso Lhamo Lake, which is one of the highest lakes globally. This lake is way up high, about 5,330 meters (around 17,490 feet) above sea level, in North Sikkim, India. The lake gets its water from the snow and ice that melt from the nearby Himalayan mountains.

Course of Teesta River

Here is the complete course or the route of Teesta River:

• Starting Point: The Teesta River begins at Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim, India, high up in the Himalayas.
• Flowing Through Sikkim: It then flows through Sikkim, winding through steep valleys and tough terrain, offering beautiful views.
• Entering West Bengal: After Sikkim, the Teesta enters West Bengal. Here, it passes through the towns of Kalimpong and Jalpaiguri, getting wider as it goes down to the plains.
• Meeting Other Rivers: During its journey, the Teesta meets several smaller rivers and streams, which make it bigger and stronger.
• Flowing Through Bangladesh: After that, the river enters Bangladesh, where it continues to flow southward.
• End Point: The Teesta River’s journey ends when it joins the powerful Brahmaputra River in Bangladesh.

Teesta River in India Map

Teesta River Tributaries

The Teesta River, a major river in the eastern Himalayas, gets water from many smaller rivers that add to its strength and size. These smaller rivers are essential for the Teesta River environment and are important for the areas they go through. Here are tributaries of Teesta river:

• Lachung River: Starting in the Lachung Valley in Sikkim, this river is one of the main smaller rivers that join the Teesta. It meets the Teesta River at a place called Chungthang.
• Lachen River: The Lachen River, another important smaller river, also begins in Sikkim. It joins the Teesta at the same spot where the Lachung River does, which is Chungthang.
• Rangpo River: This river flows through the town of Rangpo and joins the Teesta River at Rangpo, which is on the border of Sikkim and West Bengal.
• Relli River: Starting in the Kalimpong Hills, the Relli River joins the Teesta River in the Kalimpong district of West Bengal.
• Raidak River: Also known as Wang Chhu in Bhutan, this river is an important smaller river that adds to the Teesta’s water flow in West Bengal.
• Jaldhaka River: Originating in Sikkim, the Jaldhaka flows through Bhutan and West Bengal before joining the Teesta River.
• Dharla River: This river flows through Bhutan and North Bengal before merging with the Teesta in Bangladesh.

Teesta River Dispute

The Teesta river water dispute is a long-running issue about how India and Bangladesh share the river’s water. This river is important for both countries because it affects farming, people’s jobs, and the economy.

Background: The Teesta River is a big source of water in the Indian state of West Bengal and in Bangladesh. Both countries use it for farming, especially when there’s not much rain. The problem started when India built a barrier in the 1970s to take water for its farming projects. This made less water go into Bangladesh.

Impact on Bangladesh: Bangladesh is downstream, which means it gets water from India. Bangladesh says India taking water has caused a water problem in the north part of the country, hurting lots of farmers. Less water in the Teesta has also hurt farming, fishing, and how people make a living there.

Talking and Making Agreements: India and Bangladesh have talked many times over the years to fix this problem. In 1983, they made a short-term deal about sharing water, but it only lasted for two years. They’ve talked more since then, but they haven’t found a long-term solution.

Challenges to Resolve Dispute: The main problem in fixing the Teesta River issue is deciding how to share water fairly, especially when there’s not much rain. Both countries also have their own interests in this, like politics, money, and the regions they’re in.

Recent Developments: In recent years, they’ve tried to talk again and find a solution they both like. They know it’s important to work together to make things better for their regions and to help the environment.

The Teesta River problem is a hard issue about who gets to use the water. It also shows how tough it can be when different countries have to share something like a river, and they need to find a good way to do it for everyone’s benefit.

Major Projects on Teesta River

The Teesta River flows through parts of Sikkim and West Bengal in India and then goes into Bangladesh. There have been some important projects along the Teesta river. These projects mainly focus on using the river for making electricity, helping with farming, and preventing floods. Here are the main projects on the Teesta River:

1. Teesta Barrage Project: This is a big project in West Bengal, India, that helps with farming and stopping floods.
2. Teesta Hydroelectric Projects: Many power plants that use the river’s water to make electricity have been built in Sikkim. Some of them are:
   • Teesta Stage III: It’s a big power station with a capacity of 1200 MW in North Sikkim.
   • Teesta Stage IV: Another important project, with a planned capacity of about 520 MW.
   • Teesta Stage V: Found in South Sikkim, this project can make 510 MW of electricity and is already working.
3. Teesta Low Dam Project: These are smaller power projects in West Bengal, like Teesta Low Dam Stage I, II, III, and IV. They make electricity and provide water for farming.
4. Teesta Canal System: This project uses Teesta River water for farming in North Bengal’s flatlands.

These Teesta River projects help the local economy by giving electricity, supporting farming, and preventing floods. However, some people worry about how these projects might affect the river and the people who rely on it.

Teesta River Dam

The Teesta River in Sikkim, India, has several dams, each with its own unique characteristics and impact. Here’s some important information about the major dams on the Teesta River:

1. Teesta-V Dam:
   • Generates: 510 MW of electricity
   • Located at: Dikchu, Gangtok district, Sikkim
   • Powerhouse at: Balutar, Singtam, Gangtok district, Sikkim
   • Built by: NHPC Limited
2. Teesta III Dam:
   • Generates: 1200 MW of electricity
   • Located at: Chungthang, Mangan district, Sikkim
   • Powerhouse at: Singhik, Mangan district, Sikkim
   • Built by: Teesta Urja Limited
3. Teesta Low Dam III:
   • Generates: 132 MW of electricity
   • Located at: Rambi Bazar, Kalimpong district, West Bengal
   • Built by: NHPC Limited
4. Teesta Low Dam IV:
   • Generates: 160 MW of electricity
   • Located at: Kalijhora, Kalimpong district, West Bengal
   • Built by: NHPC Limited
5. Teesta Barrage:
   • Located at: Gajoldoba

Teesta river dams have attracted a lot of attention because they affect the environment, local communities, and the risk of natural disasters. To reduce the risk of earthquakes caused by the dams, they must use suitable tunnel, surge shaft, and powerhouse designs, as required by their approval.

Teesta River Flash Floods

In 2021, the Teesta River faced a sudden and severe flood that greatly harmed the Teesta braided plain in Bangladesh. This flood was caused by unexpected heavy rain, mountains forcing rain, and landslides, mainly in India. It led to significant changes in the landscape and caused a lot of damage to the river’s flat, fertile land. The Teesta River often contributes to these sudden floods, especially when the Jamuna and Teesta Rivers have their highest water levels at the same time.

In 2023, another flash flood occurred in the Teesta River, causing a lot of loss of life and harm to the environment in Sikkim. This flood happened because a glacial lake overflowed, which made the Teesta 3 dam break open. This released icy water that rushed through towns in the valley below.

The flash floods in the Teesta River have had serious consequences, like loss of life, damage to buildings and roads, and harm to the environment. These events show how vulnerable the region is to sudden floods, and why it’s so important to have good plans to manage disasters and protect the environment.

These floods happen quickly and can cause a lot of damage for a few reasons:

• Heavy Rain: When it rains a lot during the monsoon, the water level in the river rises rapidly.
• Steep Hills: In Sikkim, the river goes through steep valleys. When it rains heavily in these areas, the water rushes down the river fast.
• Dirt and Rocks: The heavy rains bring dirt, rocks, and debris into the river. This can block the river and then suddenly release a lot of water.

Interesting Facts About Teesta River

Here are some interesting facts about Teesta river:

• Ancient Trade Route: Long ago, the Teesta River valley was part of an important path that connected Tibet to the ports in Bengal. It played a big role in trade and sharing of culture between these regions.
• Diverse Nature: The area around the Teesta River has many different kinds of plants and animals, including some rare ones. The land’s special nature is influenced by how high up it is and what the weather is like.
• River Rafting: People love to go white water rafting on the Teesta River, especially in Sikkim. The river’s fast-moving water makes it a thrilling experience for adventure seekers.
• Important for Culture: The Teesta River is very meaningful for the local communities, especially in Sikkim. It’s a part of their traditions and spiritual practices.
• Hydroelectric Power: The Teesta River is used to create electricity in many hydroelectric power projects. This helps provide renewable energy in the region.
• Changing Path: Over the years, the Teesta River has moved in different directions, especially in its lower parts. This has affected the land and where people live.
• Sikkim’s Lifeline: In Sikkim, the Teesta River is often called the lifeline of the state. It’s really important for farming, making electricity, and tourism.
• International River: Because it flows through India and Bangladesh, the Teesta River is seen as a river that connects two countries. It plays a big role in how these two countries share water.

FAQs on Teesta River

Where is Teesta River?

The Teesta River originates in the Himalayas, flowing through Sikkim and West Bengal in India, and then into Bangladesh.

What is Teesta River famous for?

The Teesta River is famous for its scenic beauty, white water rafting, and significant role in irrigation and hydroelectric power in the regions it flows through.

Is Teesta a tributary of Brahmaputra?

Yes, the Teesta is a tributary of the Brahmaputra River. It joins the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh after flowing through parts of India.

What is the story of Teesta River?

The story of the Teesta River involves its importance in ancient trade, cultural significance to local communities, and ongoing water-sharing issues between India and Bangladesh.

Which two countries share the water of river Teesta?

India and Bangladesh share the waters of the Teesta River. The river is crucial for both countries, leading to ongoing discussions about water sharing.

Why Teesta River is called river of Horror?

The Teesta River is sometimes called 'river of horror' due to its potential for devastating flash floods, especially during the monsoon season, impacting nearby communities.

Why is Teesta River water green?

The Teesta River water is green due to the presence of suspended glacial sediments and algae. These give the river its distinctive greenish coloration.