Teesta water flow diminishing alarmingly

The drastic reduction in the water flow in the Teesta River is a cause for serious concern to common people of the area adjacent to it. Gajaldoba is the point where the Teesta, originating from Sikkim, enters Bangladesh flowing through West Bengal. We are glad to know that India has taken up the issue of "lowest-ever" Teesta water flow to Bangladesh very seriously.

Water is life. Life cannot exist without it. So, it is a matter of life and death for the Bangladeshi people. Cultivation of crops, life of fishermen and overall the economy of people of North Bengal depend on water of this river. Water sharing problem and border killing have created bad blood and resentment in the minds of Bangladeshi people. Especially, the water issue has remained a subject of conflict for almost 35 years, with several bilateral agreements and rounds of talks failing to produce desired results.

Bangladesh has always been ready to extend its cooperation to its big neighbour but this is not being reciprocated. As a big country, India should come out from its inhibition and be more generous. India and Bangladesh share a common history, border and tradition and both the countries can gain more mutual benefits with little more effort from the Indian side.

India is sending experts who will jointly investigate into the matter along with the Bangladeshi experts to solve the Teesta water crisis. We hope the problem will be sorted out soon and we will get water as per our earlier agreement.

Masud Rana

Dhanmondi, Dhaka