Teesta Water Dispute
Centre-State Dynamics in Indian Federalism
The Teesta water-sharing dispute is not merely a bilateral issue but a test case for the intersection of Indian federalism and foreign policy. The Union government's inability to conclude the treaty due to West Bengal's opposition illustrates the constitutional tension between Entry 14 of the Union List (treaties and agreements with foreign countries) and Entry 17 of the State List (water).
- The Teesta originates in Sikkim, flows through West Bengal's northern districts (Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar), and enters Bangladesh in Rangpur Division — irrigating approximately 2,750 sq km in Bangladesh.
- A 1983 ad hoc agreement allocated 39% to India and 36% to Bangladesh, but was never formalised.
- The 2011 draft proposed 42.5% for India and 37.5% for Bangladesh during the dry season (December-March), with 20% remaining unallocated for ecosystem needs.
- Article 253 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to legislate on treaty implementation, but convention requires state consultation on water matters.
- The Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956 (amended 2002) provides the domestic framework for river water disputes, though it applies to inter-state (not international) rivers.
- The Indus Waters Treaty (1960) with Pakistan remains the most successful transboundary water-sharing model in the subcontinent — a potential template for Teesta.
● Tracked since February 14, 2026 · last seen June 27, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes
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