China’s Mega Dam on Brahmaputra Raises Strategic Concerns
Why in the News?
China has started building a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra) near Arunachal Pradesh. With a 60,000 MW capacity, this $167.8-billion mega dam has triggered concerns in India over water flow, ecological impact, and strategic risks.
Strategic and Environmental Concerns for India:
● The dam is located at the “Great Bend” in Medog County, near Gelling in Arunachal Pradesh, where the Yarlung Zangbo becomes Siang/Brahmaputra.
● Experts like Ashok Kantha, a strategic affairs analyst, warn the project is in a seismically active zone and ecologically fragile area, making it risky.
● India fears China may weaponize the dam during conflicts to pressure India or alter water flows.
● Sudden water release or reservoir mismanagement could cause flooding or drought downstream, especially in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
● CM Pema Khandu termed the project an “existential threat” and a “potential water bomb.”
India’s Response and Diplomatic Engagement
● India continues to express concerns about the downstream impact to China through diplomatic channels.
● Officials emphasize the need for transparent hydrological data sharing to assess flow variations and flood risks.
● India plans buffer storage like the Upper Siang project but faces local opposition due to environmental concerns.
● Foreign Secretary-level agreements have focused on confidence-building measures amid broader tensions.
● Experts urge India to coordinate protocols with Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Myanmar for disaster preparedness.
● The project’s potential adverse environmental impact on lower riparian states has led to calls for an international water treaty to address these concerns.
| Significance of the Brahmaputra River: |
| ● The Brahmaputra is a lifeline for Assam, crucial for its agriculture, economy, and ecology. |
| ● It originates as Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet, enters India as Siang, and becomes Brahmaputra in Assam. |
| ● Despite the dam, 70% of Brahmaputra’s flow comes from rainfall and tributaries in India and Bhutan. |
| ● India is a lower riparian state with established user rights under international law. |
| ● The National Water Development Authority has proposed inland channel links to redistribute surplus water effectively. |
The construction of this mega dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which could become the biggest dam in the world, has raised concerns not only in India but also among other low riparian neighbours. The project’s formidable hydropower potential, while impressive, comes with significant risks due to its location in a seismically active zone.
To address these concerns, India has been pushing for an expert-level mechanism to discuss the project’s potential impacts. This approach aligns with the need for an international water treaty that could help manage the shared water resources more effectively.
The situation is further complicated by broader geopolitical tensions, including issues along the eastern Ladakh border. As such, the dam project has become intertwined with larger strategic considerations between India and China.
As the project progresses, it will be crucial for all stakeholders to engage in transparent dialogue and data sharing to mitigate potential risks and ensure the sustainable use of this vital water resource. The coming years will likely see increased diplomatic efforts to address these complex water management and security issues in the region.