THE Teesta River is a vital transboundary river shared between India and Bangladesh, playing a crucial role in the agricultural, ecological, and socio-economic framework of northern Bangladesh. However, India鈥檚 unilateral withdrawal of water upstream, particularly during the dry season, has created significant challenges for Bangladesh, affecting agricultural productivity and the local ecosystem. This article explores the consequences of India鈥檚 water withdrawal policies on Bangladesh, particularly in five affected districts: Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Kurigram, and Gaibandha.
The Teesta River originates in the Himalayas and flows through India鈥檚 Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh. Historically, the river has supported millions of farmers in both countries. The dispute over Teesta鈥檚 water sharing has been ongoing for decades. A proposed agreement that aimed to allocate 50 per cent of Teesta鈥檚 waters to Bangladesh was never signed due to resistance from the West Bengal government. Consequently, India continues to control the river鈥檚 flow through its barrage and irrigation projects, leaving Bangladesh with severe water shortages during the dry season (December-May).
The unilateral water withdrawal from the river Teesta has a direct impact on agricultural productivity in Bangladesh. The shortage of Teesta water has led to significant declines in rice production. Boro rice, the primary dry-season crop, requires continuous irrigation, which has become difficult due to reduced river flow. Moisture stress has led to lower grain quality and reduced output of wheat and maize. The lack of sufficient water for retting has decreased fibre quality, impacting the jute industry. High-value crops such as tomatoes, potatoes, and onions require consistent irrigation, leading to lower production and price volatility.
There has also been reported disruption of cropping patterns. Unpredictable water availability has forced farmers to shift cropping patterns. Many farmers switch to drought-resistant crops and cultivate wheat, maize, pulse, chilli, pumpkin, mustard, and millet, which require less water but offer lower returns. Farmers who previously grew three crops per year now cultivate only one or two, reducing agricultural output. The reduced water flow in the Teesta River has also, in extreme cases, left fallow land uncultivated, leading to rural unemployment.
With scarce surface water, farmers rely on groundwater extraction, resulting in higher production costs. Increased diesel and electricity expenses for tube wells make farming less viable. For the same reason, excessive withdrawal has led to declining water tables. Many smallholders cannot afford groundwater-based irrigation, pushing them into debt or forcing them to abandon farming. The cumulative impact threatens food security, rural livelihoods, and overall agricultural sustainability in northern Bangladesh.
Ecological and environmental consequences are also significant. Many of Teesta鈥檚 tributaries, distributaries, and adjacent wetlands (haors, beels, and floodplains) dry up during the dry season. Shrinking water bodies lead to loss of aquatic vegetation and natural habitats for birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Wetlands that played a role in groundwater recharge and flood mitigation are losing functionality, worsening water crises and increasing desertification risks. There are also broader environmental impacts. Reduced water flow disrupts sediment deposition, affecting soil fertility in the region. Loss of natural vegetation along riverbanks reduces carbon sequestration, worsening local climate change effects.
The fisheries sector, a key livelihood source, has been severely impacted. Many native fish species suffer from disrupted migration patterns and reduced breeding grounds, leading to sharp declines in fish stocks. Fishermen are struggling to maintain their livelihoods, with many abandoning fishing altogether.
The Teesta River has become unpredictable due to irregular upstream water releases. Sudden floods caused by abrupt dam releases lead to excessive erosion, resulting in loss of arable land and displacement of communities. Farmers in Rangpur, Kurigram, and Gaibandha have lost land, exacerbating rural poverty.
There are reported direct socioeconomic consequences of the arbitrary withdrawal of water from the river. Reduced agricultural productivity pushes small farmers into financial hardship. As fish stocks decline, many switch to unskilled labour. Drying rivers impact boatmen, sand miners, and river transport businesses. Many families migrate to urban areas, leading to increased pressure on cities. Decreased Teesta flow has created severe shortages of water for drinking, cooking, and sanitation. Many communities now rely on deep tube wells, increasing groundwater over-extraction risks. The burden of water collection disproportionately affects women and children, reducing time for education and income-generating activities. Scarcity of clean water has increased waterborne diseases such as diarrhoea and dysentery. Excessive groundwater use has led to arsenic contamination in some areas. Malnutrition has risen due to declining agricultural productivity and food shortages. The rising unemployment has increased child labour as struggling families send children to work. Social conflicts over water access have intensified. The government faces growing economic pressure to manage water scarcity and related challenges.
In short, the five affected districts 鈥� Rangpur, Lalmonirhat, Nilphamari, Kurigram and Gaibandha 鈥� reported the following impacts: large-scale irrigation projects are failing due to water shortages; severe riverbank erosion has displaced thousands of families; water scarcity has led to a decline in rice production; fish populations have significantly declined, affecting local livelihoods; and periodic flooding due to erratic water releases damages crops, homes, and infrastructure.
A sustainable and equitable solution requires diplomatic efforts, improved water management strategies, and local adaptation measures. The following recommendations can help mitigate the crisis and ensure long-term water security in northern Bangladesh: a) strengthening bilateral agreements and diplomatic efforts; b) sustainable water management strategies; and c) community-based adaptation measures.
The government should finalise the Teesta Water-Sharing Agreement. Towards this end, Bangladesh and India must accelerate negotiations to ensure fair water distribution. Regional cooperation in transboundary water management, such as strengthening SAARC and BIMSTEC, can facilitate dialogue on water-sharing. If bilateral talks remain inconclusive, Bangladesh may seek mediation from international bodies like the UN or World Bank.
For sustainable water management, the river basin management approach, an integrated strategy involving upstream and downstream stakeholders, can optimise water use. Developing reservoirs and rainwater harvesting systems can mitigate water shortages. Promoting water-efficient technologies like drip irrigation and alternate wetting and drying can reduce dependency on river water.
The government should also consider community-based adaptation measures as a way forward. Encouraging farmers to grow drought-resistant crops can enhance agricultural sustainability. Implementing groundwater conservation policies to regulate groundwater extraction can prevent overuse. Financial aid, low-interest loans, and alternative livelihood training programmes can help struggling communities.
The unilateral withdrawal of Teesta water by India has had severe repercussions on Bangladesh鈥檚 agriculture, environment, and socio-economic stability. Without a fair and sustainable water-sharing agreement, the ongoing crisis will worsen, deepening poverty, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. Strengthened diplomatic negotiations, sustainable water management strategies, and community-based adaptation measures are crucial to securing long-term water security and regional stability.
