Resolving Teesta River Conflicts: Harnessing Institutional Solutions for Cross-Border Water Cooperation

Abstract

This research delves into the enduring Teesta River water-sharing dispute between India and Bangladesh, highlighting the pivotal role of institutions, with insights gleaned from international experiences. It comprehensively reviews the historical evolution, notably the Farakka Barrage and key treaties in 1977 and 1996, illuminating the dispute’s deep-rooted origins. The study investigates the unresolved Teesta River conflict, rooted in pre-partition concerns and divergent water allocation demands. By analysing decades of negotiations and the involvement of joint commissions and technical groups, it contributes vital insights into effective conflict resolution mechanisms within shared river systems, offering significant understanding of India–Bangladesh relations.