India’s plan to withdraw water from the Teesta: Dhaka cautiously observing the situation
The foreign ministry has said Bangladesh is trying to get the facts about India's plan to withdraw water from the Teesta for hydropower and irrigation projects in West Bengal.
"We are cautiously observing the situation and verifying media reports. The water resources ministry and Joint River Commission are readying a paper, and we will seek to know the facts. Then we shall take necessary measures," Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Seheli Sabrin told journalists at the weekly media briefing today.
Indian newspaper The Telegraph last week reported that the West Bengal government decided to set up three hydropower plants in Darjeeling, and two of them are likely to reduce the volume of water in the Teesta.
It also reported that the West Bengal government acquired 1,000 acres to dig two canals and divert more water from the river to irrigate farms in Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar districts.
Teesta water is crucial for irrigation in the northern part of Bangladesh, especially during the lean period between December and April.
Seheli Sabrin said life and livelihood of the people in a large part of Bangladesh depend on the Teesta.
Therefore, Bangladesh has been trying for a water sharing deal with India for many years.
In 2011, the two neighbours finalised the Teesta water-sharing agreement but it was not signed as West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee opposed it.
Seheli Sabrin said Bangladesh and India have an excellent relationship. Considering this, Bangladesh will continue to work to resolve the issue through dialogue.
Meanwhile, State Minister for Water Resources Zaheed Farooque told the media after a meeting at the foreign ministry that the Joint River Commission already prepared a letter that would be sent to India soon, seeking to learn officially the facts about the reported plan of diverting water from the Teesta by the West Bengal government.
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