Setting the Context
Flowing through the Eastern Himalayas, the Teesta River originates from the Tso Lhamo Lake in North Sikkim and winds its way through the rugged terrain of Sikkim and West Bengal, before entering Bangladesh, where it ultimately joins the Brahmaputra River.
As highlighted by the India-WRIS database, the river spans about 414 kilometers, making it one of the most important transboundary rivers in South Asia.
In addition to its economic significance, the river carries deep cultural meaning, particularly for the Lepcha tribe, who consider it a sacred entity interwoven with their identity and traditions.
As discussed in this article by Down to Earth, the river is also central to longstanding diplomatic negotiations over water-sharing between India and Bangladesh.
According to a recent study by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), several sections of the Teesta show dangerously low dissolved oxygen (DO) and elevated biological oxygen demand (BOD), indicating severe stress on aquatic life and overall river health.
Earth5R has already demonstrated measurable success through its Mumbai River Cleanup project, combining environmental science with community participation, circular economy principles, and green livelihood creation.
Key Problems Facing the Teesta River
The Teesta River, once a pristine waterway meandering through the Himalayan foothills, now suffers under the pressure of rapid urbanization, policy inaction, and ecological neglect. Its deteriorating health has triggered a cascade of environmental, economic, and social crises.
This map illustrates the vast Ganges-Brahmaputra river system, showcasing how the Teesta River is an integral tributary of the Brahmaputra. It emphasizes the transboundary nature of these rivers and their significance in sustaining ecosystems and livelihoods across India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Multiple layers of pollution—from untreated sewage to plastic waste—have turned the Teesta into a highly endangered river system. This section outlines the most pressing problems plaguing the river, supported by data from credible institutions and reports.
Sewage and Wastewater Pollution
One of the most serious threats to the Teesta River is the discharge of untreated domestic and industrial sewage into its waters. The towns of Gangtok, Rangpo, and Siliguri have seen population booms, but sewage treatment infrastructure has not kept pace.
According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), large segments of the Teesta show Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels above permissible limits, indicating a high presence of organic pollutants.
In 2022, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) expressed concern over the lack of operational sewage treatment plants (STPs) in North Bengal and Sikkim. It noted that most towns still rely on direct discharge into rivers, posing grave risks to aquatic biodiversity and human health.
Earth5R, in its BlueCities reports, identifies untreated sewage as the number one cause of river degradation across India, and emphasizes zero untreated discharge as a core principle of ecological restoration.
Solid Waste Dumping
A study by the National Centre for Riverine and Lake Studies observed that riverbanks near Siliguri and Rangpo are littered with non-biodegradable waste, including single-use plastic bottles, packaging, and microplastics that are swept into the river during monsoon flows.
As per a report by Down To Earth, less than 50% of plastic waste in India is properly recycled, and river systems like the Teesta have become conduits for transporting this waste into the Bay of Bengal.
Earth5R’s Mumbai River Cleanup demonstrated that community-based river cleanup models can remove thousands of kilograms of plastic waste in weeks while creating green jobs and livelihoods through waste-to-recycling systems.
Water Quality Degradation
Years of unchecked pollution have significantly impacted the Teesta’s water quality. Monitoring data published in the State of Environment Report by Sikkim Government reveals dangerously low Dissolved Oxygen (DO) levels during the summer months, while fecal coliform counts far exceed safety norms.
Heavy metal contamination, especially mercury, cadmium, and lead, has also been detected in water samples near industrial zones like Rangpo and Jalpaiguri, raising alarms about groundwater contamination.
Earth5R’s environmental audit protocols, as described in their training modules, promote the use of real-time IoT sensors and community water testing to monitor water quality and ensure public transparency.
Loss of Biodiversity
Once home to rich aquatic biodiversity, the Teesta River has seen a drastic reduction in fish species, amphibians, and riparian flora. A study by the Zoological Survey of India shows that species like the Golden Mahseer, once abundant, have become endangered in the region due to habitat loss and pollution.
Earth5R’s approach to ecological restoration, as outlined in the BlueCities Model, includes the revival of wetlands, native plant species, and biodiversity corridors, all aimed at restoring riverine health and resilience.
Riverbank Encroachment
Rampant encroachment of the Teesta’s floodplains has exacerbated its vulnerability to pollution and flooding. Urban sprawl has led to illegal settlements, sand mining, and the construction of infrastructure dangerously close to the river’s edge.
According to an urban planning study published in Springer, nearly 35% of the riverbank near Siliguri has been encroached upon by slums and unregulated housing.
These encroachments reduce the river’s capacity to absorb monsoon surges and also block natural drainage pathways, increasing the risk of urban flooding. Earth5R emphasizes community mapping and citizen science initiatives to reclaim riverbanks, create eco-parks, and engage local populations in urban river stewardship.
Groundwater Contamination
Due to prolonged and large-scale river pollution, surrounding groundwater aquifers in towns along the Teesta have shown signs of contamination.
As per a 2023 study by IIT Kharagpur, nitrate and heavy metal seepage from the river has leached into local wells and borewells, particularly in rural Jalpaiguri and parts of Bangladesh.
Earth5R’s CSR-led groundwater remediation programs, in partnership with corporates under their circular economy framework, focus on natural filtration, wetland development, and community training workshops to restore groundwater purity.
Consequences of River Neglect
The neglect of the Teesta River has far-reaching consequences, not only for the river itself but for the communities and economies that depend on its waters. The continued pollution and degradation of this once-vibrant river have exacerbated public health issues, increased urban flooding, stunted economic growth, and deepened social inequalities.
Public Health Risks
The most immediate and concerning consequence of river pollution is the rise in waterborne diseases. Contaminated water in the Teesta, primarily due to sewage discharge and industrial effluents, serves as a breeding ground for pathogens and bacteria, causing diseases like cholera, dysentery, and typhoid.
This infographic highlights the geopolitical and developmental importance of the Teesta River for both India and Bangladesh, detailing key hydropower projects, irrigation canals, and the ongoing water-sharing dispute. It shows how vital the Teesta is to North Bengal’s agriculture and hydroelectric infrastructure, as well as downstream regions in Bangladesh.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), untreated river water is a major vector for such diseases, and in regions where sanitation infrastructure is lacking, like in parts of Sikkim and North Bengal, the problem is exacerbated.
A recent study in the Journal of Environmental Health revealed a significant increase in gastrointestinal diseases in areas near the Teesta, particularly among children.
Increased Urban Flooding
Urban flooding has become a recurring issue for cities like Siliguri, Jalpaiguri, and Gangtok, where the Teesta River has historically been an essential flood control mechanism.
Research by the Central Water Commission (CWC) indicates that flood frequencies along the Teesta have increased by over 40% in the past two decades, with devastating impacts on infrastructure, housing, and agriculture.
Earth5R’s work on climate resilience and sustainable urban planning, as part of the BlueCities initiative, advocates for natural flood defenses, including wetland restoration, river buffer zones, and rainwater harvesting systems to mitigate these risks.
Economic Losses
The decline in fish populations, due to pollution and habitat destruction, has devastated local fishermen’s livelihoods, particularly in the Siliguri and Jalpaiguri areas. According to a report by the Fishery Department of Sikkim, fish catches have decreased by more than 30% in the last decade.
The Teesta also plays a significant role in tourism, with its scenic beauty attracting visitors to Sikkim and West Bengal. However, the river’s declining condition has led to a drop in tourist numbers.
A 2021 survey by the Indian Tourism Development Corporation highlighted that environmental degradation was a primary concern for tourists visiting riverfront destinations.
Earth5R’s eco-tourism and sustainable development models propose green job creation and sustainable tourism as part of the solution, with the goal of revitalizing both the river and local economies.
Social Inequality
In cities like Siliguri, Kalimpong, and Gangtok, slum populations face unsafe water for drinking, washing, and cooking, leading to higher rates of illness and mortality.
A report by Sikkim’s Department of Rural Development showed that rural communities in lower income areas are disproportionately affected by water contamination, resulting in health inequities and economic stagnation.
Additionally, the encroachment of illegal settlements along the riverbank worsens the social divide, as these communities are excluded from official water supply and sanitation services.
Earth5R’s community-based river cleanup and citizen science projects actively engage local populations, focusing on inclusive participation and empowerment through green job creation and livelihood initiatives.
Why Past Efforts Have Failed
Despite numerous attempts over the years to restore the Teesta River and address its pollution, these efforts have largely been ineffective. A range of institutional, structural, and policy-related issues have hampered the success of river restoration projects.
In this section, we analyze why past efforts have failed and outline the systemic barriers that need to be addressed for meaningful change.
Fragmented Responsibilities Between Government Bodies
One of the primary reasons for the failure of river cleanup projects in India, including the Teesta, is the fragmented nature of responsibility between various government departments.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), and state agencies all oversee different aspects of river management, but they often lack coordination.
A report by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on river restoration highlighted that overlapping authorities and lack of accountability between different agencies have led to inefficiencies and delays in addressing pollution issues in the Teesta.
Focus on Beautification Over Ecological Restoration
Historically, many efforts to address the pollution of the Teesta have been more focused on aesthetic beautification than on ecological restoration.
For example, several projects have aimed to build riverfront parks and tourist promenades, but failed to address the core environmental issues such as sewage discharge, industrial pollution, and encroachment.
A study published in the Journal of Urban Planning noted that while beautification efforts can enhance public perception of the river, they do little to improve water quality or restore the river’s ecological health.
Earth5R takes a different approach by emphasizing scientifically backed ecological restoration methods, such as wetland restoration, native species reforestation, and the creation of biodiversity corridors.
These efforts align with the Circular Economy principles, where waste is minimized, and the river’s natural ecosystem is restored as a fundamental part of urban sustainability.
Lack of Real-Time Public Monitoring Systems
Another key issue is the absence of real-time monitoring systems for tracking river pollution and health. Without continuous, accurate data on the pollutant levels, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), and heavy metal concentration in the Teesta, it has been difficult to implement effective interventions.
report by the Central Water Commission noted that despite the availability of advanced IoT technologies and data collection tools, most river management programs in India are still reliant on outdated monitoring methods, leading to delays and inaccurate assessments of the river’s condition.
Earth5R has introduced smart monitoring technologies that use real-time sensors to track river health indicators like pH levels, dissolved oxygen (DO), and temperature. These data-driven tools are a core part of Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative, enabling better decision-making and more effective pollution control measures.
Short-Term Focus and Lack of Continuity
Many of the river restoration programs initiated by governments and environmental organizations have been short-term projects with limited impact. As reported by India’s Ministry of Jal Shakti, these projects often fail due to a lack of long-term vision and continuity.
Earth5R’s long-term approach is centered on sustainable solutions and the creation of community ownership for river management. By engaging local populations through citizen science projects and environmental awareness workshops, Earth5R ensures that river restoration becomes a community-driven initiative with lasting impact.
This model focuses on education and skills development, empowering local residents to play a central role in the health of the Teesta.
Lack of Citizen Engagement and Ownership
A report by the National Institute of Urban Affairs (NIUA) emphasizes that citizen engagement is critical for the long-term success of any environmental project, yet many river cleanup programs in India have failed to involve the very people who are most affected by the river’s condition.
Local communities along the Teesta often lack ownership or even awareness of the environmental issues impacting their river, making it harder to sustain any improvement efforts.
Earth5R’s BlueCities model places a strong emphasis on community-driven solutions, with projects like Riverkeeper Programs, where local residents are trained to monitor river conditions and engage in cleanup activities.
Additionally, Earth5R’s collaboration with corporate partners for Employee Engagement programs and CSR initiatives ensures that companies play an active role in river restoration, creating a holistic and inclusive model for environmental change.
What Needs to Be Done: The Blueprint for Complete River Restoration
Restoring the Teesta River requires a multi-layered, integrated approach that tackles both immediate and long-term challenges.
In this section, we will outline the key strategies that need to be implemented to revitalize the river, improve water quality, and ensure that future generations can rely on the Teesta for their livelihoods and well-being.
Zero Untreated Sewage: Tackling Wastewater Pollution
As highlighted by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), untreated sewage accounts for a significant portion of the river’s pollution, with Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) levels often exceeding safe limits. The first step in restoring the Teesta must be to implement zero untreated sewage discharge policies.
This can be achieved through the installation and upgradation of Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), in line with the recommendations of the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG). Earth5R has already collaborated with local governments in cities like Siliguri to build and upgrade sewage treatment systems as part of the BlueCities initiative.
Solid Waste to Circular Economy: A Waste-to-Recycling Approach
The Teesta is also burdened by solid waste dumping, particularly from plastic waste and construction debris.
To address this, the Teesta River restoration effort must include a focus on transitioning towards a circular economy where waste is minimized, and resources are continuously reused. A study by Indian Ministry of Environment highlights that effective waste segregation and recycling are key to reducing river pollution.
Earth5R’s Circular Economy initiatives provide a model for waste management that emphasizes local recycling efforts and decentralized waste treatment. By partnering with local communities and industries, Earth5R has been able to reduce the volume of waste entering rivers like the Teesta.
Earth5R BlueCities: The Proven, Scalable Solution
The restoration of the Teesta River necessitates a comprehensive approach, and Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative offers a proven framework to achieve lasting river health. This model integrates scientific research, community participation, and sustainable, technology-driven solutions.
Earth5R’s success in projects like the Mithi River cleanup in Mumbai demonstrates the scalability of this model across different regions.
Data-Driven River Health Diagnosis
Effective restoration begins with a thorough diagnostic assessment of the river’s health. Earth5R employs data-driven tools to measure key indicators such as water quality, biodiversity, and pollution levels.
This scientific approach ensures that decisions are based on real-time data, crucial for identifying both immediate challenges and long-term solutions.
Community-First Mobilization and Training
At the heart of Earth5R’s BlueCities model is community mobilization. The organization believes that sustainable river restoration cannot occur without active involvement from local communities.
Through training programs, residents are empowered to participate in monitoring, data collection, and cleanup efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and ensuring the longevity of restoration initiatives.
Ecological Restoration Based on Science
Ecological restoration is a crucial element of Earth5R’s approach. The organization focuses on restoring native biodiversity and natural ecosystems that have been lost due to pollution and urbanization.
By studying the Teesta River’s past biodiversity, Earth5R designs interventions that promote the recovery of local species and ecosystems, ensuring the river’s ecosystem remains balanced and resilient.
Waste-to-Recycling Circular Economy Integration
A cornerstone of Earth5R’s model is the integration of the Waste-to-Recycling Circular Economy. This innovative solution promotes sustainable practices that turn waste into valuable resources, such as compost and clean energy.
By adopting a circular economy model, Earth5R ensures that waste materials are recycled and reused, reducing the burden of pollution on the Teesta River and surrounding areas.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Collaboration
Earth5R actively collaborates with corporate partners to integrate sustainable practices into business operations while addressing river pollution. CSR initiatives have helped fund river restoration programs and raised awareness about the impact of business practices on local water bodies.
By combining corporate funding with community-based solutions, Earth5R demonstrates that business engagement can play a key role in both river restoration and urban sustainability.
Transparent Real-Time Data Monitoring
Transparency and accountability are vital for the success of restoration projects. Earth5R’s real-time monitoring systems continuously track pollution levels and water quality in the river. These data sensors feed into a publicly accessible platform, allowing local communities, NGOs, and governmental bodies to monitor river health in real time.
The integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technology has been a breakthrough, not just for pollution tracking but also for early warning systems to prevent flooding and waterborne diseases.
Scaling the BlueCities Model: A Roadmap for Teesta River Restoration
The Teesta River, spanning across India and Bangladesh, faces significant ecological challenges due to pollution, unregulated waste disposal, and climate-induced water stress.
The BlueCities initiative by Earth5R offers a comprehensive framework to address these issues through community engagement, scientific research, and sustainable practices.
Community Engagement is at the heart of Earth5R’s approach. By empowering local communities through training programs and workshops, residents become active participants in river restoration efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility towards the Teesta River.
Scientific Assessment is crucial for understanding the river’s health. Earth5R conducts comprehensive water quality analyses, testing for parameters like Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), and heavy metal concentrations, as outlined in their lake restoration framework.
Ecological Restoration involves reviving native biodiversity and natural habitats. Earth5R adopts scientifically validated techniques, including native plantation drives, to maximize biodiversity recovery, as detailed in their urban biodiversity revival blueprint.
Circular Economy Integration is implemented to manage waste sustainably. Earth5R’s programs teach residents to segregate waste, compost biodegradable materials, and upcycle waste, turning trash into treasure, as highlighted in their sustainable program.
Real-Time Data Monitoring ensures transparency and accountability. Earth5R utilizes IoT-based sensors to monitor water quality parameters like pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen levels, providing real-time data on river conditions through their River Health Index.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Collaboration plays a vital role in scaling restoration efforts. Earth5R partners with corporations to fund and support river restoration projects, integrating CSR initiatives into environmental stewardship, as seen in their Brahmaputra cleanup project.
By implementing the BlueCities model, the Teesta River can be transformed into a thriving ecosystem, benefiting both the environment and the communities that depend on it. Earth5R’s holistic approach serves as a replicable blueprint for sustainable river restoration.
Policy Recommendations: A Scalable Framework for Teesta River Restoration
Restoring the Teesta River requires a multifaceted approach that integrates community engagement, scientific research, and policy reforms. Earth5R’s River Rejuvenation Framework offers a comprehensive model that can be adapted for the Teesta River’s restoration.
Empowering Communities through Citizen Science
Central to Earth5R’s approach is the empowerment of local communities. By involving residents in monitoring pollution levels and adopting sustainable practices, communities become active participants in river restoration.
This community-first model has shown success in projects like the Mithi River cleanup, where community-led waste segregation led to a significant reduction in plastic waste.
Integrating Circular Economy Principles
Implementing a circular economy framework is vital for sustainable river restoration. Earth5R’s initiatives train citizens and businesses to segregate and upcycle waste, turning it into valuable resources.
This approach not only reduces pollution but also creates economic opportunities, as demonstrated in their circular economy-based river restoration project.
Leveraging Technology for Real-Time Monitoring
Utilizing technology such as IoT sensors allows for real-time monitoring of water quality parameters like pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen levels. Earth5R’s River Health Index provides a transparent platform for stakeholders to access data, enabling timely interventions and fostering accountability.
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships
Collaborations between government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector are crucial for scaling restoration efforts. Earth5R’s CSR and ESG initiatives demonstrate how corporate involvement can fund and support environmental projects, integrating sustainability into business operations.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Earth5R’s model aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation). By addressing both environmental and social aspects of river restoration, their approach contributes to broader objectives of sustainable development and climate resilience.
Data Snapshot Box: Teesta River Health Indicators
To understand the true extent of degradation of the Teesta River, it’s essential to look at the key data points that reflect the river’s health. These indicators are based on findings from government reports, independent environmental studies, and field-level research by environmental organisations like Earth5R.
This data-driven diagnosis helps structure a precise restoration plan, aligning with Earth5R’s River Health Index for community-based monitoring and restoration.
| Indicator | Current Status | Source |
| Sewage Treated | Only around 40% of sewage generated in urban areas of North Bengal and Sikkim is treated before discharge into the river | Central Pollution Control Board Report |
| BOD Level (Biochemical Oxygen Demand) | Frequently exceeds 3 mg/L in downstream urban stretches, indicating high organic pollution | West Bengal Pollution Control Board |
| Plastic Waste Volume | Over 2.5 tonnes of plastic waste enter the Teesta River daily from Siliguri alone | Down to Earth Article |
| Biodiversity Loss | Up to 50% decline in fish species in lower Teesta basin due to pollution and reduced flow | Research Study – North Bengal University |
| Encroachment | More than 30% of floodplains encroached by construction and sand mining activity | India Water Portal |
| Groundwater Contamination | Traces of lead and nitrates found in tube wells near riverbanks in Jalpaiguri district | Public Health Engineering Department, West Bengal |
These indicators align with Earth5R’s approach to using measurable parameters to guide restoration, as seen in their Mumbai River Health Dashboard, which provides real-time updates and community-driven data integration.
This model not only brings transparencyand scientific rigor to river rejuvenation but also engages citizen scientists in long-term monitoring efforts—an approach Earth5R has successfully scaled in CSR-supported projects and across their BlueCities framework.
Urban Sustainability Opportunities for Siliguri and Jalpaiguri
The restoration of the Teesta River presents a unique opportunity to transform the urban landscapes of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri into models of sustainable development.
By integrating community engagement, scientific research, and sustainable practices, these cities can address environmental challenges while promoting economic growth and social well-being.
Community-Driven River Restoration
Earth5R’s BlueCities initiative has demonstrated the effectiveness of community-led river restoration in various Indian cities. By empowering local residents through training programs and workshops, communities become active participants in river cleanup efforts, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.
This approach has been successfully implemented in projects like the Mithi River cleanup, where community involvement led to significant improvements in water quality and biodiversity.
Integration of Circular Economy Principles
Implementing a circular economy framework is vital for sustainable urban development. Earth5R’s initiatives train citizens and businesses to segregate and upcycle waste, turning it into valuable resources.
This approach not only reduces pollution but also creates economic opportunities, as demonstrated in their circular economy-based river restoration project.
Leveraging Technology for Real-Time Monitoring
Utilizing technology such as IoT sensors allows for real-time monitoring of water quality parameters like pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen levels. Earth5R’s River Health Index provides a transparent platform for stakeholders to access data, enabling timely interventions and fostering accountability.
Fostering Public-Private Partnerships
Collaborations between government bodies, NGOs, and the private sector are crucial for scaling restoration efforts. Earth5R’s CSR and ESG initiatives demonstrate how corporate involvement can fund and support environmental projects, integrating sustainability into business operations.
Enhancing Urban Resilience
Restoring the Teesta River can significantly enhance the resilience of Siliguri and Jalpaiguri to climate-related challenges. Improved river health reduces the risk of urban flooding, secures water supply, and supports biodiversity, contributing to the overall sustainability of these urban areas.
Earth5R’s community-based monitoring tool aids in tracking these improvements and informing policy decisions.
Revive Teesta, Restore Life – A River’s Comeback, A Region’s Hope
