Originating from the Khangchung Chho glacial lake in Sikkim, the Teesta River flows through India and Bangladesh, joining the Jamuna River. It is fed by multiple tributaries like Lachung Chhu and Zemu Chhu, and its course is essential for the water systems of both countries, impacting agriculture and hydropower.
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The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) has approved the proposal for rebuilding the Teesta-III dam, despite concerns over its design and stability.
|
Aspect |
Details |
|
Tributary of |
Jamuna River (Brahmaputra River) |
|
Countries Flowing Through |
India and Bangladesh |
|
Origin |
Chhombo Chhu from Khangchung Chho glacial lake (Sikkim, India) |
|
Other Possible Sources |
Teesta Khangse Glacier, Chho Lhamo Lake |
|
Course |
Flows south, cuts through Siwalik Hills east of Darjeeling (West Bengal), enters plains via Sivok Khola pass, initially emptied into Padma River (Ganga), but in 1787, changed course to join Jamuna River (Bangladesh) near Chilmari. |
|
Major Left-Bank Tributaries |
Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu |
|
Major Right-Bank Tributaries |
Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Rangit River |
|
River System |
Origin |
Course |
Major Tributaries |
|
Teesta River |
Glacial lake Khangchung Chho, Sikkim (5,280 m) |
Flows through Sikkim, West Bengal, and Bangladesh; joins Jamuna (Brahmaputra) |
Left-bank: Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu Right-bank: Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Rangit River |
|
Indus River |
Near Mansarovar Lake, Tibet |
Flows NW through Ladakh, enters Pakistan |
Right-bank: Shyok, Gilgit, Hunza, Nubra, Kabul, Khurram, Tochi, Gomal, Sangar, Kunar Left-bank: Zaskar, Panjnad (Satluj, Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum) |
|
Jhelum River |
Verinag Spring, Pir Panjal, J&K |
Flows through Srinagar, Wular Lake, joins Chenab in Pakistan |
No major tributaries mentioned |
|
Chenab River |
Confluence of Chandra and Bhaga, Himachal Pradesh |
Flows through Punjab, enters Pakistan |
No major tributaries mentioned |
|
Ravi River |
Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh |
Flows through Chamba valley, enters Pakistan |
No major tributaries mentioned |
|
Satluj River |
Rakas Lake, near Mansarovar, Tibet |
Flows through Punjab plains, enters Pakistan |
Beas joins Satluj near Harike |
|
Ganga River |
Gangotri Glacier, Uttarakhand |
Flows through UP, Bihar, West Bengal, joins Bay of Bengal |
Right-bank: Son Left-bank: Ramganga, Gomati, Ghaghara, Gandak, Kosi, Mahananda |
|
Yamuna River |
Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand |
Joins Ganga at Allahabad (Prayagraj) |
Right-bank: Chambal, Sind, Betwa, Ken Left-bank: Hindon, Rind, Sengar, Varuna |
|
Brahmaputra River |
Chemayungdung Glacier, Kailash Range, Tibet |
Flows through Arunachal, Assam, Bangladesh; joins Ganga |
Right-bank: Subansiri, Kameng, Manas, Sankosh, Teesta Left-bank: Lohit, Dibang, Burhi Dihing, Dhansari |
Source:
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Consider the following statements regarding the Teesta River:
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: D Explanation: Statement 1 is correct: The Teesta River originates from the Teesta Glacier in the Himalayas, located in the Sikkim region of India. Statement 2 is correct: The Teesta River originates in the Himalayas and flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh and eventually emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The river is a crucial water resource for both India and Bangladesh. Statement 3 is correct: The Teesta is a tributary of the Brahmaputra. |
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