Birendra Prasad Baishya, Rajya Sabha MP and Asom Gana Parishad leader, has raised serious concerns about China’s proposed 60,000-megawatt dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. This river, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra, is crucial for the water supply of Assam and other Northeast states. Baishya warned that the project could have devastating consequences for the region, particularly for Assam’s water resources, agriculture, and biodiversity. The proposed dam, part of China’s ambitious 14th Five-Year Plan, is set to be largest infrastructure project in the world. Estimated to cost a […]
China’s Mega Dam on Brahmaputra: A Concern for Northeast India
Birendra Prasad Baishya, Rajya Sabha MP and Asom Gana Parishad leader, has raised serious concerns about China’s proposed 60,000-megawatt dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. This river, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra, is crucial for the water supply of Assam and other Northeast states. Baishya warned that the project could have devastating consequences for the region, particularly for Assam’s water resources, agriculture, and biodiversity.
The proposed dam, part of China’s ambitious 14th Five-Year Plan, is set to be largest infrastructure project in the world. Estimated to cost a staggering USD 137 billion, it has sparked fears of major disruptions to the river’s flow. Any alteration in the water flow of the Brahmaputra could cause severe environmental, social, economic damage to the entire region.
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Baishya expressed concern over the potential effects of the project on Assam, a state already vulnerable to floods. The Brahmaputra plays a significant role in the region’s agriculture and economy, and any diversion of its flow could drastically impact these sectors. The river’s water is also essential for the daily lives of millions of people in Assam and neighboring Bangladesh.
The region’s rich biodiversity could be threatened as well. A change in water levels might disrupt the delicate ecological balance, endangering both aquatic life and terrestrial species. Baishya emphasized the need for the central government to act swiftly to safeguard the interests of Northeast India.
One of the most alarming aspects of the proposed project is China’s control over the river’s flow. The Brahmaputra is a shared resource for India, China, and Bangladesh. China’s management of the river could lead to geopolitical tensions, with critics worrying that the country could manipulate water levels to its advantage. This would not only destabilize the region’s water supply but also create a potential flashpoint for conflict between the three nations.
India’s own dam project in Arunachal Pradesh is seen as a response to China’s growing influence over the Brahmaputra. However, the scale of China’s dam could tilt the balance of power in the region. This is raising questions about the effectiveness of India’s countermeasures.
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India and China have been engaging in talks about sharing hydrological data. This is a step that aims to mitigate the risks of potential floods or water shortages. While this agreement may provide some transparency. Several critics argue it will not be enough to address the broader dangers posed by China’s mega-project. The fear remains that China could use its control over the Brahmaputra to manipulate the flow of water, regardless of any data-sharing agreements.
The proposed dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River is a critical issue for India, particularly for Assam and the Northeast. As China moves forward with this massive infrastructure project, the stakes are high for the region’s ecology, economy, and geopolitics. The Indian government must remain vigilant and take all necessary steps to protect the interests of its people and prevent any future crises.
