The Indian government has strongly raised concerns about China building a massive hydropower dam on the lower Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. This river is the upper part of the Brahmaputra, which flows into India and other South Asian countries. Because of this, India fears the dam could threaten water security, damage the environment, and harm people’s lives downstream.
India Monitors Project and Demands Transparency
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is closely watching the project. Notably, China first announced the dam in 1986. India sees this project as a strategic and environmental threat. Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State for External Affairs, told Parliament that India has repeatedly told China about its concerns. He called for transparency and talks with countries downstream.
Government Acts to Protect Interests
In a statement to the Rajya Sabha, the MEA said, “The Government of India has taken note of reports about the commencement of construction of the mega dam project by China on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo... This project was first made public as far back as 1986 and since then, preparations have been underway in China.”
Moreover, the MEA added, “The government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including China’s hydropower plans. It takes steps to protect our interests and safeguard the life and livelihood of Indian citizens living downstream.”
The Brahmaputra River’s Path
The Yarlung Tsangpo starts at the Jiema Yangzong Glacier near Mount Kailash in Tibet. It flows into India’s Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River. Then it becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam and joins the Ganges in Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal. Therefore, any changes upstream could directly affect the environment, farming, and people’s lives in the entire region.
Environmental Risks of the Dam
The dam site lies in a seismically active and fragile Himalayan area. Environmentalists warn that large projects here could cause serious damage. For instance, they fear the dam will disrupt river flow, reduce biodiversity, and increase flood risks.
India and China Discuss Concerns
India and China talk about these issues through the Expert Level Mechanism set up in 2006. They also engage in ongoing diplomatic talks. Singh said India has urged China to be transparent and consult downstream countries before moving ahead with hydropower projects.
Additionally, India asks China to resume sharing hydrological data during important monsoon times. China has stopped sharing this data in the past, raising worries. This issue came up again during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to China in July for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Foreign Ministers’ Meeting.
India Worries About China Controlling Water
China promotes the dam as part of its clean energy plan. However, India remains cautious. It fears the dam could give China control over water flow in South Asia. Such control could become a powerful tool with major regional impact.