The Teesta River: Lifeline of North Bengal

The main river that flows from Sikkim to Darjeeling, Jalpaiguri is The Teesta River. It originates from Tso Lhamo Lake of Sikkim, at a height of 5330m. The river is 314 km long.

The glacier and the lake from where Teesta originates are in Tibet. The river enters Bangladesh from West Bengal and it meets Brahmaputra in Bangladesh. This river is one of the main attractions in North Bengal. As it offers not only extraordinary valleys but also activities in it.

Geography and Origin of Teesta River

‘Teesta’ word came from “Trishota”, which means three streams. This is also known as Tista among locals. Pahurni Glacier and Khangse Glacier are the main glaciers from where Teesta originates.

The river joins the Brahmaputra in Bangladesh before it meets the Bay of Bengal after it meets Padma and Meghna

A Source of Breathtaking Beauty

The scenic view is great from any upper part of the hill. From a homestay balcony, you may spend many quiet hours watching Kanchenjunga and murmuring River Teesta through valleys with multiple bends

Economic Importance

• Teesta River is located between India and Bangladesh

• The main part is in India. 80% is in India and 20% in Bangladesh. So it is a major source of water in the northern part of West Bengal

• Teesta is the fourth largest river between India and Bangladesh

• Teesta basin is inhabited by 30 million people with 2% in Sikkim, 27% in West Bengal, and 71% in Bangladesh

• Two major barrages on Teesta are Gajoldoba in India and Duani in Bangladesh

Hydropower Potential

Teesra River is considered the main source of hydroelectricity in North Bengal and Sikkim, The projects are Teesta -V Dam, Teesta III Dam, Teesta Low Dam III, Teesta Barrage, Gati Hydropower Project, Madhya Bharat Power Corporation Limited, Dikchu River Hydroelectric Power Project

Environmental Concerns

The effect of climate change is clearly visible in this region. The increased amount of population and construction of hotels without taking proper precautions make the Teesta basin unsafe.

Any disaster can happen at any time. One of the disasters was seen a few days ago in 2023 and fourteen people lost their lives more than 150 are unaccounted for. This happened after a bursting of South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim at 17000 ft.

Conclusion

Amazing Beauty attracts tourists to North Bengal and Sikkim. One of the parts of it is Teests which will be with you throughout most of your journey. But we will keep in mind to keep the environment clean and as it is otherwise nature will take revenge.

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