China’s 60,000 MW Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo River Sparks Warnings of Devastating Consequences in Northeast India
A senior BJP MP, Tapir Gao, has sounded the alarm over China’s proposed construction of the massive 60,000 MW "Great Bend Dam" on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which could unleash catastrophic consequences across the Northeast region. Gao, who represents Arunachal Pradesh, said that the project threatens to drastically reduce the Brahmaputra River’s flow, leading to water scarcity, ecological imbalance, and severe humanitarian fallout downstream.
Speaking at an international seminar in Guwahati, Gao recalled a devastating 2000 incident when a sudden release of water from China caused severe flooding in the Siang River, resulting in loss of lives, livestock, and land. With construction already underway on a 9.5-kilometre-long dam, Gao expressed concern that the project poses long-term risks to both the environment and millions living downstream, including those in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and even Bangladesh. "China has no water-sharing agreement with India. That’s a major setback for us in preventing such unilateral decisions," he said.
China’s water diversion strategy aims to redirect water from Tibet to the Yellow River, a move that has sparked widespread criticism. The project is being built in a highly seismic and ecologically fragile region, increasing the risk of landslides, habitat loss, and displacement of communities. Researchers have warned that the construction of the $137 billion mega-project would require drilling 420 km of tunnels, further exacerbating the risks.
The Brahmaputra River is one of the world’s largest rivers by discharge, fed by snow and glacial melt. Its steep gradient entering India makes it naturally prone to flooding, and any artificial interference from upstream could amplify the region’s vulnerability. Experts have highlighted how the dam could disrupt the natural flow of the Brahmaputra, making the entire basin more vulnerable to floods, droughts, and seismic risks. The Chinese government maintains that the project aligns with its clean energy goals and plans to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2060.
However, environmental groups and regional leaders remain skeptical, citing the lack of transparency and the absence of a water-sharing mechanism. China’s track record of sudden water releases has fueled regional tensions. "Building a dam on the Siang River is essential if we are to protect ourselves from future devastation. Public consultations are already underway, but time is running out," Gao warned, urging the Indian government to take the issue to international forums and emphasizing the need for diplomatic pressure to check China’s plans.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/arunachal-pradesh/story/arunachal-mp-warns-of-water-bomb-threat-as-china-pushes-ahead-with-mega-dam-on-yarlung-tsangpo-1195847-2025-04-08?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-04-08 14:13:00
