Centre discussed with West Bengal over Teesta river: Government

NEW DELHI: The Centre has discussed with the West Bengal government "at appropriate levels" to arrive at an agreement on sharing of Teesta river water on a fair and equitable basis, Lok Sabha was informed today.

Union Minister of State for Water Resources Sanwar Lal Jat, in his reply to a question, said the Centre has discussed all points involved therein with the West Bengal government at appropriate levels to arrive at an agreement on Teesta on a fair and equitable basis, which is acceptable to all the parties and protects the interests of all stakeholders.

Indian government has been in discussion with the Bangladesh government for an agreement on sharing of common rivers, including Teesta, on an equitable and fair basis, he added.

The minister further said, during the visit of Indian Prime Minister of India to Dhaka in September 2011, both the Prime Ministers had welcomed the progress and directed the officials concerned to conclude the agreement at the earliest.

Subsequently, discussions have also been held from time to time with Bangladesh in this regard, he added.