Explained: China twist in India-Bangladesh Teesta river challenge

News: Bangladesh is discussing an almost $1 billion loan from China for a comprehensive management and restoration project on the Teesta river. 

Facts:

• Teesta River: It is a tributary of the Brahmaputra (known as Jamuna in Bangladesh), flowing through India and Bangladesh.
• Origin: The river rises in the eastern Himalayas flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal through Bangladesh and enters the Bay of Bengal.
• Drainage: It covers nearly the entire floodplains of Sikkim while draining 2,800 sq km of Bangladesh.For West Bengal, it is the lifeline of half-a-dozen districts in North Bengal.
• Dispute: The dispute over Teesta is the most contentious issue between India and Bangladesh.However, Teesta river water sharing agreement has not been signed due to opposition from West Bengal.(River is a State subject and is notable in this context).