New Delhi:
In a move that has sent ripples of concern across the Himalayan region, China has greenlit the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. This $137 billion project, touted as a cornerstone in China’s pursuit of carbon neutrality, has raised significant alarms in India and Bangladesh due to its potential impact on millions living downstream.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has been at the forefront of voicing these concerns, warning that the dam could be used as a “water bomb” by China, posing a catastrophic threat to the Adi tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, as well as millions in Assam and Bangladesh. The dam’s location near the Indian border and its immense power generation capacity of 60,000 MW have heightened fears of severe flooding, water scarcity, and ecological disruption.
China’s approval of the hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River marks a significant milestone in its energy infrastructure development. The dam, situated on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau, is expected to generate approximately 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, far surpassing the output of the Three Gorges Dam. This project is part of China’s broader strategy to meet its carbon peaking and carbon neutrality targets.
The Yarlung Tsangpo River, which enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River and later becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam before flowing into Bangladesh, is a lifeline for millions. The dam’s construction could drastically alter the river’s flow, leading to severe flooding in downstream areas, particularly during monsoon seasons. Additionally, the dam could dry up the river during winter months, disrupting the water supply and affecting agriculture, drinking water, and daily life in the region.
Ecological and Safety Concerns
The project’s location in the ecologically fragile Himalayan region, along a tectonic plate boundary prone to frequent earthquakes, exacerbates the risks. Recent seismic activity in the area, including a 6.8-magnitude earthquake, has highlighted the potential dangers associated with such a large-scale infrastructure project. Experts have raised concerns about the project’s impact on the region’s delicate ecosystem and the potential for catastrophic failures.
Despite China’s assurances that the project has undergone rigorous scientific evaluation and will not harm downstream nations, concerns persist. China’s non-signatory status to global water treaties adds to the unease, as it suggests a lack of international oversight and cooperation. Indian and Bangladeshi experts have called for greater transparency and consultation, emphasizing the need for joint management of trans-boundary rivers.
While the project is expected to stimulate economic growth and create jobs in Tibet, the broader regional implications are far more complex. The dam’s construction could have far-reaching economic consequences, affecting industries such as agriculture, fisheries, and tourism in downstream regions.
The project has reignited tensions between India and China, particularly given the dam’s proximity to the heavily militarized border in Arunachal Pradesh. India has urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed, while Bangladesh has expressed concerns about the potential impact on its riverbank communities. As the project moves forward, it remains a critical flashpoint in regional relations, highlighting the need for cooperative management of shared water resources.
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