Teesta Master Plan to Be Finalized by Year-End: Bangladesh Minister

Bangladesh's State Minister for Water Resources, Farhad Hossain Azad, has expressed optimism that the Teesta Master Plan will be finalized by the end of this year. The technical committee has already submitted its report, and work is underway to expedite implementation. The minister made these remarks on Saturday (August 1) after inspecting the Buri Teesta re-excavation project and erosion-prone areas along the Teesta River in Nilphamari. He also held discussions with local residents, promising to resolve long-standing issues related to the Buri Teesta project through renewed talks and to consider withdrawing cases filed against locals for political reasons. The Teesta River is a transboundary waterway shared with India, and the master plan aims to address water sharing and management, which has been a contentious issue between the two countries.

Global Impact

The Teesta Master Plan has significant geopolitical implications, as water sharing of the Teesta River has been a longstanding issue between Bangladesh and India. Successful implementation could improve bilateral relations and set a precedent for transboundary water management in South Asia.