China has revealed plans to build the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, also known as Yarlung Tsangpo, in Tibet close to India’s border. The hydropower project, a part of Beijing’s 14th five-year plan, is expected to produce 300 billion kWh every year-three times more than the Three Gorges Dam, which currently exists. But it’s located in an ecologically sensitive Himalayan zone and high seismic area, alarming India.
New Delhi expressed its concerns, emphasizing the potential impacts on downstream areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The Brahmaputra river flow may alter dramatically, potentially leading to disastrous droughts or floods that endanger millions of people. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed that India will do everything in its power to “protect its interests” and asked Beijing to remain open.
“We have consistently expressed our concerns regarding upstream projects through diplomatic and expert-level channels,” Jaiswal said. India reiterated its rights as a lower riparian state, calling for consultation and accountability in such initiatives.
China plans world’s largest dam on Brahmaputra River despite geopolitical challenges
The project also has geopolitical challenges. Experts believe that it will heighten tensions between India and China, potentially leading to “water wars” over shared resources. Analysts note the strategic implications of Beijing’s control over water flow into India, as the Brahmaputra is vital for agriculture and livelihoods.
It is unprecedented in scale. It is estimated to cost $137 billion and is expected to be the world’s largest, bigger than the Three Gorges Dam, which dislodged 1.4 million people in its construction process. However, China has yet to announce how many residents are likely to be displaced by this new project.
India is following the developments closely and will take “appropriate action” to safeguard its interests. Meanwhile, environmentalists and geopolitical experts alike sound a warning about the far-reaching consequences of the dam on ecology, regional stability, and human lives.
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