ITANAGAR, 24 Jan: At a seminar titled ‘Environment and Security’ held at the legislative assembly’s Dorjee Khandu auditorium, Chief Minister Pema Khandu voiced serious concerns over China’s selective sharing of hydrological data and its refusal to enter binding international water treaties. Khandu highlighted the potentially devastating impact of China’s plan to construct the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which flows into India as the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh and the Brahmaputra in Assam.
The proposed dam would enable China to manipulate the flow of water downstream, posing significant risks during periods of low water flow or drought, especially affecting the Siang and the Brahmaputra rivers, which millions rely on. Khandu warned that sudden water releases from the dam could lead to severe flooding in the plains of Assam and Bangladesh, destroying crops, displacing communities, and damaging infrastructure. The alteration of sediment flow, crucial for agriculture, is also a major concern.
Emphasizing Tibet’s critical role as the ‘Water Tower of Asia’, Khandu stated that China’s exploitation of Tibetan resources threatens the water systems vital to over a billion people in Asia, including millions in India. He asserted India’s responsibility in global environmental conservation due to its dependence on Tibet’s rivers.
Khandu lauded the efforts of the Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh (TSGAP) and the Core Group for Tibetan Cause (CGTC) for hosting the seminar. He anticipated that the discussions would contribute to solutions addressing Tibet’s environmental issues, which hold broad regional implications.
Highlighting the historical ties through Buddhism, Khandu noted that this religious connection, dating back to the 8th century, has played a role in binding India and Tibet.
The seminar, focusing on Tibet’s environmental state and its impact on Indian security, drew participation from notable figures like Sikyong Penpa Tsering and MP Tapir Gao, among others. Representatives from the Arunachal Indigenous Tribes Forum and various community-based organizations were also in attendance. (CM’s PR Cell)
Original Source: https://arunachaltimes.in/index.php/2025/01/25/cm-expresses-concern-over-chinas-refusal-to-enter-into-binding-water-treaties/
Category : State News
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Publish Date: 2025-01-25 00:23:00
