With reference to river teesta, consider the following statements

1. The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahamputra but it flows through Sikkim
2. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta.
3. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2017 Prelims]

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

• The statement that Teesta River originates from the same source as the Brahmaputra is incorrect. Teesta River actually originates from the Pahunri glacier.
• The Brahmaputra, on the other hand, originates in the Angsi glacier near Mount Kailash.
• Teesta River is a right tributary of the Brahmaputra and flows through West Bengal and Sikkim before emptying into the Bay of Bengal through Bangladesh.
• The statement that Teesta River originates from Sikkim and is the largest river in the region is incorrect. Rather, the River Rangeet, which is also a tributary of Teesta, is the largest river in Sikkim. The statement that River Rangeet is a tributary of Teesta is correct.

Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer.