People on Teesta bank frustrated (video)

People of five upazilas in Lalmonirhat district living on the banks of Teesta river feel frustrated since Teesta deal will not take place during Indian Prime Minister PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Bangladesh.
They were upset when they heard Modi’s visit will not resolve the long-standing issue after repeated assurances from India.
With high expectations, they were looking forward to get water in Teesta river during winter.
“We are feeling downright frustrated since Teesta deal is out of the equation,” Tazul Islam of Teesta village said to the reporter.
“We can’t farm our lands due to lack of water in the Teesta river during winter. Many will get a chance to make a living if water is available at that season,” he added.
Nabirul Islam, a fisherman in the same village also expressed his frustration over this issue.

“We hope Indian Prime Minister can play a vital role in giving us water,” he said.
Bimol Chandra Das of Gokunda village, a boatman living on the banks of Teesta said the river has water during monsoon and when India releases water.
However, since the river runs dry in winter, he becomes unemployed and is forced to look for other jobs.
Delowar Hossain, another boatman echoed Bimol’s sentiments. He added that the river is vital for transporting goods as well as people at low costs.
People living on the banks of Teesta know too well that without the water treaty, the river cannot be saved.
If the deal, over one lakh people including farmers, fishermen, day-labourers and boatmen will be able to sustain a livelihood from the Teesta river.
The river plays a vital role in the environment, ecosystem and the lives of those living on its banks.
The villagers hope the Teesta treaty will come through one day like the enclave exchange deal.