Archive · 7 Jun 2025
Bengal Government to Dredge Teesta River to Combat Floods
After a big flood in the mountains, the Teesta River in West Bengal got filled with sand.
This makes it easier for the river to flood nearby towns.
To fix this, the government will dig out the sand and dirt from the riverbed.
They will use their own teams to do the work.
This plan aims to prevent future floods and keep people safe.
The government hopes to sell the sand removed to make money.
They also want to work with other countries to manage rivers that cause floods.
The Bengal government plans to dredge and desilt the Teesta River due to rising riverbeds after the 2023 GLOF in Sikkim.
The GLOF in October 2023 caused significant silt deposit in the Teesta riverbed.
Rising water levels have already destroyed two villages in Jalpaiguri.
The state government will use West Bengal Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd (WBMDTCL) and the irrigation department for desilting.
The state will gain revenue from selling sand and riverbed material obtained during dredging.
- Who
- The Bengal government, West Bengal Mineral Development and Trading Corporation Ltd (WBMDTCL), and the irrigation department.
- What
- The Bengal government will dredge and desilt the Teesta River.
- When
- Following the October 2023 GLOF.
- Where
- Jalpaiguri, West Bengal
- Why
- To prevent potential flooding and address the impact of silt deposit from the GLOF.
N/A
Central vs. State Funding
Funding for Desilting/Repair
N/A
The Bengal government states that the Central government hasn't provided funds for desilting or bund repairs since 2016.
Central vs. State Funding
N/A
- River
- Teesta
- Event
- 2023 Glacier Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)
- Affected Villages
- Laltong, Chamakdangi
- Dredging Spots
- 30
- Dredging Distance
- 50 km
- Estimated Desilting Cost (if private)
- Rs 567 crore
- Funds allocated by Centre for flood management (this year)
- Rs 412 crore