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Teesta River

Geography and Basin States

The Teesta River originates from the Teesta Khangtse Glacier in the eastern Himalayas at an altitude above 5,400 metres. It flows for approximately 414 km total — roughly 305 km through India (Sikkim and West Bengal) and 109 km through Bangladesh — before joining the Jamuna River at Phulchhari Upazila. The Teesta is the largest river in Sikkim and the second largest in West Bengal.

Key details
  • The basin lies across Sikkim (72.43% of drainage area) and West Bengal (27.57%).
  • Total drainage area: approximately 12,540 sq. km across India and Bangladesh.
  • In Bangladesh, the river irrigates five northern districts, making it critical for dry-season agriculture.
  • The river is fed by Himalayan glaciers and snowmelt, making its flow highly seasonal.
In the news

Tracked since May 05, 2026 · last seen August 18, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes

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