RIVERS OF NORTH BENGAL

PRERNA FOR IAS

RIVERS OF NORTH BENGAL

1. Teesta River

The Teesta River is one of the most important rivers of North Bengal and the second-longest river in West Bengal. It originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake and glaciers near the Jemmu Glacier in Sikkim. The river flows through Sikkim and North Bengal before entering Bangladesh, where it eventually joins the Jamuna River. Major tributaries include the Rangit, Little Rangit, Great Rangit, and Jaldhaka. Known as the “River of Fear” due to its frequent floods and strong currents, the Teesta plays a vital role in irrigation, hydropower generation, agriculture, and regional development across northeastern India and Bangladesh.

2. Mahananda River

The Mahananda River is an important tributary of the Ganga river system. It originates from the Mahaldhiram hills in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal and flows through West Bengal, Bihar, and Bangladesh before joining the Padma River. Its major tributaries include the Balasan, Mechi, Daok, and Gulmakhola rivers. The river supports agriculture, fisheries, and local livelihoods in the region. The famous Mahananda Wildlife Sanctuary is located along its banks and serves as an important biodiversity hotspot. However, the river faces challenges such as erosion, flooding, pollution, and encroachment, which require proper conservation efforts.