CM Mamata Banerjee writes to PM Modi, warns of nationwide protest if India proceeds talks with Bangladesh over Teesta and Farakka without consulting Bengal

“The interest of people in West Bengal is paramount…”, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has taken strong objection to media reports indicating that PM Narendra Modi’s Government has taken up the ‘contentious’ Teesta water issue with the Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during the latter’s state visit to India last week, without involving the Bengal Government.

The Farakka agreement found mention in the India-Bangladesh joint statement. The Farakka agreement is meant to expire in 2026 and both the countries have agreed to push for renewal of the agreement, as per reports. Prime Minister Modi on Saturday has also announced that India and Bangladesh will begin technical-level talks for the renewal of the 1996 Ganga water treaty. He had further confirmed that an Indian technical team will visit Bangladesh soon for the conservation and management of the Teesta River. The Teesta water-sharing agreement which has been pending for several years, since Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee refused consent during Dr Manmohan Singh’s UPA 2 government citing challenges for her state. The Teesta issue has been a priority of the Sheikh Hasina Government for long, as has been her election issue too.

Mamata Banerjee has shot off a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday claiming “Such unilateral deliberations and discussions without consultation and the opinion of the state government is neither acceptable nor desirable”.

“The health of Teesta River has suffered from the construction of series of hydropower projects. In Sikkim, deforestation in the upper catchment and the impact of climate change. It seems that, in the meeting, the Government of India has proposed a bilateral cooperation between India and Bangladesh for the restoration of Teesta in Bangladesh. I am surprised by the fact that no concrete steps have been taken by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to restore the river in its original form and health on the Indian side… water flow in the Teesta has gone down over the years and it is estimated that, if any water is shared with Bangladesh, lakhs of people in North Bengal will be severely impacted…It is therefore not feasible to share Testa water with Bangladesh” Mamata Banerjee wrote in her letter.


Farakka Barrage Background

The Farakka Barrage, constructed in 1975, is located on the Ganges River in West Bengal, India. It was built primarily to divert water into the Bhagirathi-Hooghly river system to ensure navigability and supply water to Kolkata

Impact on West Bengal:

Maintaining navigability in the Hooghly River, which is a distributary of the Ganges, is crucial for Kolkata's port activities and transportation.

“Government of India is trying to sell off water from Bengal. Previously there used to be tripartite meeting on Farakka. But they have completely sidelined us. The dredging work has not been done by the central government on Farakka. Now Kolkata Port is getting affected. The Centre is behaving like the Lord. We won’t accept it. This may lead to further flooding and soil erosion in Bengal”, Mamata Banerjee said during an administrative review meeting on Monday.

Teesta Background:

The Teesta River originates in Sikkim and flows through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. It is a crucial water source for both India and Bangladesh, particularly for irrigation and hydroelectric power generation.

Impact on West Bengal:

Agriculture: West Bengal relies heavily on the Teesta River for irrigation. Agriculture is a cornerstone of the state’s economy, especially in the districts of North Bengal where the Teesta river basin is crucial for irrigation. Any disruptions or changes in water flow may directly impact crop yields and farmer livelihoods.

“I love and respect people of Bangladesh and always wish for their well-being. The state of West Bengal has cooperated with Bangladesh on several issues in the past…However, water is very precious and is the lifeline of the people. 'We cannot compromise on such a sensitive issue which has severe and adverse implications on the people. People of West Bengal will be the worst sufferers due to the impact of such agreements”, Mamata Banerjee wrote in her letter, stressing that there is scarcity of water in Teesta. She has warned that if any ‘unilateral decision’ is being taken without consulting the state government then there would be state-wide and nationwide protests. “Just because they have won seats in North Bengal, doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want, won’t allow Bengal be deprived”, she added.