NEW DELHI: TMC leader Ritabrata Banerjee requests in the parliament today to involve West Bengal in all discussions regarding Teesta water. He said, โThe people of West Bengal would be the worst sufferers due to the impact of agreements on water-sharing between India and Bangladesh.โ
He stated that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has opposed any discussion on Teesta River water-sharing without the stateโs involvement.
He warned that the health of the river is deteriorating due to hydropower projects in Sikkim, deforestation, and climate change.
The TMC MP highlighted concerns regarding the renewal of the Indo-Bangladesh Farakka Treaty, which is set to expire in 2026. โThis treaty has huge implications for our people. The water diverted at Farakka Barrage is causing navigability problems for the Kolkata port. River morphology has changed over the years, negatively affecting water availability in our state.โ
He also pointed out that erosion and flooding caused by the Farakka Barrage have displaced thousands of people in West Bengal. โLakhs of people have lost their homes and livelihoods. The reduced silt load in the Hooghly River has also harmed the Sundarbans delta,โ Banerjee explained.
Speaking on Teesta River, he warned that its water levels have declined over the years. โIf any more water is shared with Bangladesh, lakhs of people in North Bengal will suffer due to inadequate irrigation water. The river is also essential for drinking water in the region.โ
Banerjee urged the Union Government to consult West Bengal before finalizing any agreement on Teesta River. He also demanded the formation of an Indo-Bhutan River Commission to tackle flash floods from Bhutan, which impacted North Bengal.
โI request the Union Government to involve West Bengal in all discussions regarding Teesta water and the renewal clauses of the Indo-Bangladesh Farakka Treaty,โ he concluded.
