New Delhi: With Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's India visit, after seven long years, the anticipation of a discussion on the Teesta water dispute is high. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's scheduled presence at the luncheon meeting has further raised the curiosity.
Teesta is a rain-fed river with an average annual flow of 60 BCM. During lean season between April and June, the average flow in lower areas is just 6 BCM.
Considering these factors, it will be difficult for India to share water on a 50:50 basis. Also, the catchment area in India is higher at 10,155 sq km, compared with Bangladesh’s 2004 sq km.The Sikkim Factor
Kundu added, "Without Sikkim's involvement, what is the relevance of such meetings? When the river is originating from Sikkim, all of us should sit together to find out solution. In future, we are willing to participate in such meetings for Sikkim's interest."What Mamata May Say
Farming of drought resistant crops and interlinking of Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga (MSTG) Rivers for lasting solution might also be on the table.What is MSTG Project?
The MSTG project is proposed under the Himalayan component of National Perspective Plan (NPP). MSTG link canal will divert surplus water of Manas and Sankosh rivers with supplementation from the intermediate major streams to augment the flow of Ganga at Farakka. It would further transfer water to Krishna, Pennar and Cauvery basins, boosting irrigation along the way.
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