Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has informed parliament that the Chinese proposal for the Teesta River project is currently under review. The project, which aims to manage and restore the Teesta River, is of great importance for agriculture in the northern region of Bangladesh.
The proposed project involves the implementation of water management and flood control measures along the river. China’s involvement in the project brings the potential for economic benefits and infrastructure development in the area.
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However, the proposal also raises geopolitical concerns, particularly with India, which has strategic interests in the region. The review of the proposal will take into account these various aspects before any further steps are taken.
Background
The Teesta River, which originates in the Indian state of Sikkim and flows through West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, plays a vital role in supporting agriculture in the region and the lives of millions of people. However, the sharing of water from this river has been a contentious issue between India and Bangladesh for many years.
The construction of dams and barrages by India has led to a reduction in the flow of water into Bangladesh. In 2011, an agreement was reached to share the water, but it was never signed due to opposition from the state of West Bengal in India. As a result, Bangladesh has been seeking alternative solutions, including collaborating with China to manage and restore the river.
Teesta River-Restoration and Management Project at a Glance
Primary Objectives:
- River Regime Control
- Restoration of the water system by river dredging
- Land reclamation and development using dredged material
- Flood control and disaster reduction through the construction and repair of embankments
- Facilitation of navigation by river dredging
- Increase water availability in the river by storing water for dry season, and irrigation through hydraulic structure.
- Restoration of the environmental and ecological system of the project area.
The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP), a collaboration between Bangladesh and China estimated at $1 billion, aims to address the water crisis in the Teesta River basin by focusing on flood control, water management, and land reclamation.
The project involves the construction of over 100 km of embankments to protect the riverbanks and prevent erosion, as well as dredging and deepening 110 km of the river to improve navigation and stabilize its flow, which will help convert the Teesta from a braided to a more manageable channel.
A key component of the project is the creation of canals and ponds to store monsoon water for the dry season, and the dredged material will be used to reclaim land, which will be developed into industrial parks, roads, and satellite towns, to boost the local economy and provide jobs.
The project will also build hydraulic structures to support irrigation, to increase agricultural productivity in the region, as the northern parts of Bangladesh currently face severe water shortages during the dry season, affecting over 111,000 hectares of irrigable land.
However, the project faces several challenges, including a lack of clarity regarding the environmental impact assessment (EIA) and environmental management plan (EMP) details, concerns about the sustainability of altering the river’s natural state, and questions about the transparency and accountability of the implementing agencies.
Geopolitically, the project could spark tension between India and China, as India’s strategic interests in the region and security concerns over Chinese involvement could complicate the project’s implementation, but despite these challenges, the project is seen as a potential game-changer for the socio-economic development of northern Bangladesh.
What the Project Would Mean for Bangladesh
The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project (TRCMRP) holds the promise of several benefits for Bangladesh, as it aims to stabilize the river’s flow, improve irrigation, and mitigate flooding, which will address water shortages that are crucial for agriculture in the northern regions by storing monsoon water for the dry season.
The project will create jobs and boost the local economy by developing reclaimed land for industry and urban complexes, and the construction of embankments, roads, and industrial parks will foster economic growth and improve infrastructure in the region.
Furthermore, TRCMRP is expected to enhance regional connectivity and contribute to sustainable development, which will ultimately improve the livelihoods of millions of people living in the Teesta basin.
Challenges in Implementation
The Teesta River Comprehensive Management and Restoration Project faces several hurdles, including diplomatic tension between India and China, which complicates the project’s progress and requires Bangladesh to balance these competing interests to avoid straining relations with either country.
Environmental concerns are also significant, as the project involves major alterations to the river’s natural state, such as dredging and constructing embankments, which might impact the river’s ecosystem, and the project’s environmental impact assessment remains unclear.
Corruption and transparency issues within the Bangladesh Water Development Board pose additional risks, making effective oversight and management crucial to ensure project success and avoid past mistakes.
Furthermore, technical challenges exist in altering the river’s braided nature, as maintaining a consistent flow and achieving long-term sustainability are complex tasks that require careful consideration and planning.
Future Potential
The Teesta project has the potential to transform northern Bangladesh by stabilizing water flow and reducing flood damage and drought impact, which will enhance agricultural productivity and benefit local farmers in the region.
The development of the Teesta Project will resolve many of the agricultural issues plaguing the northern regions of Bangladesh. With adequate water supply, a resurgence of agricultural industries might follow suit; which in turn will create new jobs that contribute to the development of the region. Consequentially, infrastructure needs to support a growing ‘agri belt’ will lead to the development of logistical routes and secondary industries; further developing economic growth.
The project also has immense potential of reducing the pressure on underground water reserves; right now, the region is becoming increasingly dependent on water pumping stations. This continuously increases drilling and energy costs as depleting groundwater levels mean deeper drilling as well as reducing water quality.
This ‘drilling for water’ has also created a quagmire where certain ‘pump owners’ have a monopoly over a critical resource needed for growing crops. The successful implementation of the project will dissolve this monopoly as well as restore the critical groundwater reserves that are crucial for maintaining eco-balance.
Conclusion
The Teesta River project holds great promise for Bangladesh, offering solutions to water management and agricultural challenges by aiming to stabilize the river flow, reduce floods, and support irrigation in the region.
The success of the project will depend on effectively managing geopolitical tensions between India and China, ensuring transparent implementation, and addressing environmental concerns, which are crucial for the long-term sustainability of the project. If executed effectively, the Teesta River project could significantly boost the region’s economy and improve living conditions for millions of people in northern Bangladesh.
