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<p>This study explores how transboundary water governance of the Teesta River affects livelihoods and socio-cultural life in northern Bangladesh. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted in four Teesta-dependent districts, the findings reveal several serious socio-economic challenges. Respondents reported frequent submergence of ready-to-harvest crops, increasing financial pressure due to the need for deep tube wells for irrigation, and the constant threat of riverbank erosion that forces families to relocate and disrupts communities. The study also documents the gradual loss of cultural heritage. Many temples and mosques have been destroyed by river erosion, while people living on temporary river islands (chars) face highly uncertain living conditions. Although local communities show resilience by adopting new cultivation strategies and informal protection measures, these efforts are often not enough to overcome the larger structural challenges. In the absence of an equitable and enforceable transboundary water-sharing agreement, local adaptation remains limited and fragile. By connecting the India–Bangladesh water governance debate with the everyday experiences of river-dependent communities, this study contributes to the literature on Transboundary Rivers and human security nexus. It highlights the need to move beyond purely technical treaty discussions toward governance approaches that recognize social vulnerability, livelihood issues, cultural loss, and the political nature of river management.</p>

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Living with uncertainty: Teesta Water insecurity and its impacts on livelihoods and cultural practices in four districts of Bangladesh

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月16日

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  • Md Rafiqul Islam

摘要

This study explores how transboundary water governance of the Teesta River affects livelihoods and socio-cultural life in northern Bangladesh. Drawing on qualitative interviews conducted in four Teesta-dependent districts, the findings reveal several serious socio-economic challenges. Respondents reported frequent submergence of ready-to-harvest crops, increasing financial pressure due to the need for deep tube wells for irrigation, and the constant threat of riverbank erosion that forces families to relocate and disrupts communities. The study also documents the gradual loss of cultural heritage. Many temples and mosques have been destroyed by river erosion, while people living on temporary river islands (chars) face highly uncertain living conditions. Although local communities show resilience by adopting new cultivation strategies and informal protection measures, these efforts are often not enough to overcome the larger structural challenges. In the absence of an equitable and enforceable transboundary water-sharing agreement, local adaptation remains limited and fragile. By connecting the India–Bangladesh water governance debate with the everyday experiences of river-dependent communities, this study contributes to the literature on Transboundary Rivers and human security nexus. It highlights the need to move beyond purely technical treaty discussions toward governance approaches that recognize social vulnerability, livelihood issues, cultural loss, and the political nature of river management.