Key facts about Teesta River

  About Teesta River:

• It is a tributary of the Jamuna River (Brahmaputra River), flowing through India and Bangladesh.
• Origin:
  • It originates as Chhombo Chhu from a glacial lake Khangchung Chho at an elevation of 5,280 m in the northeastern corner of the state.
  • Teesta Khangse glacier and Chho Lhamo are also considered as the source of Teesta River by many authors.
• The total length of river is 309 km (192 mi). It drains an area of 12540 km2.
• Course:
  • It flows to the south, cutting a deep gorge through the Siwalik Hills east of Darjiling (West Bengal) and turns southeast to run through the Sivok Khola pass onto the plains of West Bengal.
  • The river continued southward to empty directly into the upper Padma River (Ganga River).
  • About 1787, however, the river changed its course to flow eastward, crossing the Rangpur region of Bangladesh to join the Jamuna River near Chilmari after a total course of about 200 miles (320 km).
• The major tributaries of Teesta river:
  • Left-bank Tributaries: Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, Rangpo Chhu.
  • Right-bank Tributaries - Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, Rangit River.