'Unilateral deliberations, unacceptable and undesirable': Mamata writes to PM Modi regarding Teesta talks with Bangladesh
- In Reports
- 09:34 PM, Jun 24, 2024
- Myind Staff
On June 24th, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her disappointment to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for not being included in the discussions regarding water-sharing with Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Hasina arrived in India on June 22nd to engage in bilateral talks. During their meeting, the two Prime Ministers discussed the conservation and management of the River Teesta, as well as the renewal of the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty.
Prime Minister Modi announced that a technical team from India would soon visit Bangladesh for a significant project aimed at conserving and managing the waters of the Teesta River. Additionally, he stated that India and Bangladesh would initiate technical-level discussions to renew the Ganga water treaty.
In a three-page letter, Mamata Banerjee expressed her concerns regarding the recent visit of the Hon'ble Prime Minister of Bangladesh. She noted that discussions on water-sharing issues concerning the Ganges and Teesta rivers may have taken place during the meeting. Mamata emphasised that unilateral deliberations and discussions without consultation and input from the state government are unacceptable and undesirable.
The Ganges Water Sharing Treaty was signed by the two neighbouring countries in 1996, with a provision for renewal after 30 years. Mamata Banerjee expressed her strong objection to any discussions regarding the sharing of Teesta water and the Farakka Treaty with Bangladesh that exclude the involvement of the West Bengal government.
Emphasising the close ties between West Bengal and Bangladesh, Mamata highlighted that any agreements on water sharing could significantly impact the people of her state, who would bear the brunt of such decisions. She also pointed out that changes in river morphology over the years in eastern India and Bangladesh have adversely affected water availability in West Bengal.
In her communication to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mamata underscored the importance of West Bengal's participation and input in any discussions related to water-sharing agreements with Bangladesh.
Mamata Banerjee has previously written to the Prime Minister three times between 2017 and 2022, expressing concerns about the impact of the Farakka Barrage on erosion and flooding in West Bengal. She criticised the Ministry of Jal Shakti for not taking sufficient measures to restore the river's original condition and health on the Indian side. Mamata highlighted that the water flow in the Teesta River has decreased over time, and she argued against sharing Teesta water with Bangladesh. She pointed out that such sharing would severely affect lakhs of people in North Bengal due to inadequate irrigation water and would also impact drinking water supplies for residents.
In 2011, Mamata had opposed the Congress-led UPA government's proposal to sign a deal with Bangladesh on sharing Teesta River water. She withdrew from a delegation led by then-Prime Minister Manmohan Singh that was scheduled to visit Bangladesh, citing concerns that the treaty would adversely affect farmers in West Bengal.
Image Source: Hindustan Times
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