Q. With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: - The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim.
- River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
- River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2017)
Answer:
2 only
Notes: The correct answer is
[B] 2 only. River Teesta is a major transboundary river originating in the Himalayas and flowing through India and Bangladesh.
- Source of Teesta (Statement 1 – Incorrect): The Teesta originates from the Pahunri (or Teesta Khangse) glacier above Lake Cho Lhamu in North Sikkim. In contrast, the Brahmaputra originates from the Angsi Glacier (near Mount Kailash) in Tibet. Their sources are geographically distinct and hundreds of kilometers apart.
- River Rangeet (Statement 2 – Correct): The Rangeet is the largest tributary of the Teesta. It originates from the Rathong Glacier in West Sikkim. It meets the Teesta at Melli (at the border of Sikkim and West Bengal). The Rangeet is famous for its "white water" and is a popular spot for rafting.
- Mouth of Teesta (Statement 3 – Incorrect): River Teesta does not flow directly into the Bay of Bengal. It flows through Sikkim and West Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it joins the Brahmaputra (known as the Jamuna in Bangladesh) as a right-bank tributary. The combined waters eventually reach the Bay of Bengal through the Meghna estuary.
Historically, Teesta was a tributary of the Ganga, but it changed its course eastward to join the Brahmaputra after the devastating floods of 1787.