India-Bangladesh meeting under “Joint Rivers Commission framework”

What is the News?

India-Bangladesh Water Resources Secretary-level meeting held under the Joint Rivers Commission framework. The meeting took place in New Delhi.

What are the key takeaways from the meeting?

• India and Bangladesh share 54 common rivers. It directly impacts the livelihood of people in the two countries.
• Hence, both the countries agreed to expand cooperation on water resources-related issues. It includes a framework for sharing river waters.
• Therefore, a Joint Technical Working Group will get set up to provide inputs on the cooperation.

About Joint Rivers Commission Framework

• Firstly, Joint River Commission is a bilateral working group between India and Bangladesh. The Indo-Bangla Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation, and Peace, signed in 1972, constituted it.
• Secondly, its purpose is to maintain communication for maximising benefits from common river systems.
• Thirdly, it is headed by the commission is headed by the Water Resources Ministers of both countries.

Teesta Water Dispute:

• Teesta River is a tributary of the Brahmaputra (known as Jamuna in Bangladesh). It flows through India and Bangladesh.
• Origin: The river rises in the eastern Himalayas. It further flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal to Bangladesh. It then enters the Bay of Bengal.
• The Teesta water dispute is the most contentious issue between India and Bangladesh.
  • However, the Teesta river water sharing agreement has not gotten signed yet, due to opposition from West Bengal. (River is a State subject)

Source: Indian Express