Mamata Banerjee, the Chief Minister of West Bengal, has once again voiced her concerns regarding the agreements over the Ganga and Teesta rivers with Bangladesh. Speaking from the administrative building in Kolkata on Monday, Banerjee expressed her dissatisfaction with the central government’s handling of the agreements and the lack of financial support promised for regional development.
During a press briefing at Nabanna, Banerjee reminded that the central government had assured West Bengal would not face issues due to the Ganga agreement, which included plans for dredging the river. However, she pointed out that riverbank erosion has worsened, endangering homes and livelihoods. Despite promises of a ₹700 crore development package made when she was a Member of Parliament, she stated that the funds have not yet been disbursed.
Banerjee criticized the central government for renewing the Farakka agreement without her state’s knowledge and for excluding her from discussions with the Bangladesh Prime Minister concerning the Ganga and Teesta waters. “It’s unfortunate that our Prime Minister discusses these matters without involving us, knowing how critical these rivers are to our region,” she commented.
The Chief Minister also raised concerns about the current state of the Teesta river, questioning the feasibility of sharing its waters with Bangladesh when it could leave North Bengal without sufficient water for its own needs. She emphasized the seasonal variability of the river’s flow, which could lead to water scarcity in her state during drier periods.
In addition to her concerns about the Teesta, Banerjee mentioned the environmental and administrative oversight of developments in Sikkim, where numerous hydroelectric dams have been constructed. She accused the central government of neglecting its duty to monitor such projects, which have significant implications for border security and local ecosystems.
Further complicating matters, Banerjee brought up the Atrai River, where a joint dam project by Bangladesh and China went forward without consultation with West Bengal, resulting in a water crisis in the affected regions.
Reflecting on a recent bilateral meeting in Delhi between Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of Bangladesh, Banerjee expressed disappointment over the lack of communication and consideration of West Bengal’s stakes in these transboundary water agreements. She reiterated her commitment to raising these issues at every available opportunity, criticizing the central government’s approach to handling negotiations that directly affect her state.
Banerjee’s statements highlight ongoing tensions between state and central government priorities, especially concerning environmental management and international water-sharing agreements that have profound implications for regional sustainability and diplomatic relations.