India-China Relation / Eye on China's mega-dam on India's Brahmaputra river, Central Government gave information

India-China Relation: Recently, China has announced to build a huge hydroelectric dam on the Brahmaputra River near the Indian border in Tibet. This project has become a matter of concern for India as it may affect the water flow and ecological balance of the Brahmaputra River. The Government of India has taken a cautious stand on this issue and has said to keep a close watch on this move of China.

Response of the Government of India

Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh said in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that the government is vigilantly monitoring all developments related to the Brahmaputra River. He said in his written reply, "The government is monitoring every aspect of the Brahmaputra River, including China's plan to develop hydropower projects. The government is taking necessary steps to protect the interests of the nation." Apart from this, he also informed that an institutional expert-level mechanism was established in 2006 to discuss with China on issues related to cross-border rivers. This discussion takes place through diplomatic channels.

India expressed its concern

The Indian government has consistently expressed its concerns to the Chinese authorities. India has requested China that any activity in the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River should not harm the interests of the downstream. In order to study the impacts of hydropower projects on the Brahmaputra River and to mitigate potential hazards, an in-depth study has been carried out on the tributaries of the river in Northeast India. The aim of this study is to understand the ecological and socio-economic impacts and to formulate appropriate strategies to mitigate them.

Information about China's mega dam

China is building a 60,000 MW mega dam on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River, called Yarlung Tsangpo, in Medog County, Tibet. The dam will be named 'Yarlung Zangbo' and its estimated cost may exceed US $ 137 billion. The project is part of China's ambitious hydropower plans and when completed, it can be included in the world's largest hydropower projects.

Potential impact for India

Impact on water flow: India fears that the construction of this dam may lead to unpredictable changes in the water flow of the Brahmaputra river, which may affect the water supply in northeastern states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

Environmental impact: Dam construction on such a large scale may cause environmental imbalance, which may affect the biodiversity around the river.

Geopolitical tension: This project may create a new tension in India-China relations, especially in the context of the border dispute.

India's strategy

The Indian government is trying to find a solution to this issue by adopting a multi-pronged approach. While giving priority to diplomatic talks with China, India is strengthening water management and disaster mitigation plans. Apart from this, scientific studies are being conducted to promote effective use of water resources and hydropower projects in the northeastern states.

Conclusion

This mega dam of China on the Brahmaputra river has given rise to India's concerns, but the Indian government is monitoring the situation and taking every necessary step to protect its national interests. India will have to adopt a balanced policy in this matter by being cautious from diplomatic, environmental and technical point of view, so that this sensitive issue can be resolved.