The Assam government is sounding the alarm over China’s approval to construct a massive hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the Chinese name for the Brahmaputra. With the ability to generate a staggering 60,000 MW of power. This project threatens to disrupt the fragile ecosystem that sustains life along the river in Assam and beyond. The Growing Concerns Of Ecosystem For Assam Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced serious concerns, warning that the proposed dam could lead to an environmental disaster. Speaking at a press event, Sarma […]
Assam Raises Alarm Over China’s Brahmaputra Dam Project
The Assam government is sounding the alarm over China’s approval to construct a massive hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the Chinese name for the Brahmaputra. With the ability to generate a staggering 60,000 MW of power. This project threatens to disrupt the fragile ecosystem that sustains life along the river in Assam and beyond.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced serious concerns, warning that the proposed dam could lead to an environmental disaster. Speaking at a press event, Sarma explained that the river’s delicate ecosystem is heavily reliant on its natural flow, which could be severely impacted by the dam’s construction. The Chief Minister stressed that if the dam is built, the river’s flow would be disrupted, possibly leading to severe consequences for the region’s ecology.
He added that the Brahmaputra, which supports millions of people in Assam and the surrounding areas, could become dangerously vulnerable. If the flow of the river is reduced, the ecosystem might become dependent on rainfall from Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh alone. Also this scenario could destabilize local agriculture, water supply, and biodiversity as well.
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The Indian government has already raised its concerns with China regarding the potential risks of the dam. The Chief Minister highlighted that these issues are expected to be prominently discussed in ongoing diplomatic talks between the two nations. “The Indian government has conveyed its apprehensions, and we are confident that this matter will continue to receive attention in diplomatic discussions,” said Sarma.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister, Pema Khandu, has also been vocal about the threat the dam poses to the region. Khandu brought the matter to the central government’s attention, adding weight to Assam’s call for urgent action.
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Environmentalists and policymakers in India fear that the dam’s construction could alter the flow of the Brahmaputra drastically. This will affect water availability for regional agriculture. The Brahmaputra plays a central role in supporting ecosystems and livelihoods in India, particularly in the northeastern states.
The river’s water is crucial for a variety of sectors. This includes agriculture, drinking water, and fishing, which millions rely on daily. A reduction in the river’s flow could mean that these essential resources would no longer be as accessible. Moreover this will lead to a significant social and economic challenges in the region.
The proposed dam would be constructed in a deep gorge in eastern Tibet, an area known for its fragile ecosystem. Experts warn that even small disruptions to the river’s flow could have disastrous effects on biodiversity as well.
Both local and international environmental groups have raised alarms about the dam’s potential to cause long-lasting ecological damage. Lastly, Assam’s government, alongside environmental organizations, continues to advocate for a solution that ensures the region’s ecosystems remain protected.
In conclusion, Assam’s concerns reflect the growing apprehension about China’s ambitious hydroelectric project. Moreover as India pushes for more attention to this critical issue. The future of the Brahmaputra’s ecosystem hangs in the balance, awaiting a diplomatic and environmental resolution.
