India Raises Concerns Over China’s Mega Dam Project on Brahmaputra
The Indian government has officially taken note of China’s announcement regarding the construction of a mega dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, which is the upper stretch of the Brahmaputra. This development has raised concerns about its potential impact on millions of people living downstream in India and Bangladesh. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed Parliament on Thursday that the government is closely monitoring the situation and has conveyed its concerns to Chinese authorities.
The Yarlung Tsangpo originates in Tibet and enters India as the Brahmaputra, eventually flowing into Bangladesh. Any large-scale hydropower project on this river could significantly impact water availability and ecological stability in the northeastern states of India. The new dam, reportedly three times the size of the famous Three Gorges Dam, could alter the river’s natural flow, affecting agriculture, fishing, and the overall water supply for millions of people downstream. Given the scale of the project, India has urged China to ensure that its activities do not harm lower riparian states.
India and China have an established mechanism for discussing trans-border river issues. The institutionalized Expert Level Mechanism, set up in 2006, facilitates discussions on water sharing and river-related projects. In addition to this mechanism, India engages with China through diplomatic channels to address concerns regarding the Brahmaputra. However, past experiences have shown that China has not always been transparent about its dam construction and hydropower projects. This lack of transparency has often led to fears about the potential consequences of large-scale Chinese projects on Indian water security.
In response to China’s latest announcement, India has taken proactive steps to raise the issue at multiple levels. On December 30, 2024, India formally issued a démarche, amplifying its concerns and requesting greater transparency and consultation with downstream countries. Additionally, during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent visit to Beijing, the matter was discussed at length. Both sides agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to resume the provision of hydrological data and enhance cooperation on trans-border rivers.
Hydrological data sharing is crucial for flood forecasting and water management. In the past, China has provided such data to India, but there have been instances where the data flow was disrupted, particularly during times of border tensions. The absence of this critical information can lead to difficulties in managing floods and droughts in northeastern India, making it imperative for India to secure consistent data-sharing commitments from China.
The Brahmaputra is a lifeline for millions of people in India’s northeastern states. The river supports agriculture, fisheries, and overall water security in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. Any large-scale intervention by China, such as diverting water for hydropower projects, could lead to reduced water availability, affecting farming and local livelihoods. Environmental experts also warn that massive dam projects in seismically active regions like Tibet pose a risk of natural disasters, including earthquakes and landslides, which could have catastrophic consequences for downstream regions.
India has reiterated its commitment to protecting its interests and ensuring that any developments on the Brahmaputra do not adversely impact its people. The government has assured Parliament that it is closely monitoring China’s hydropower activities and is prepared to take necessary preventive and corrective measures to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of citizens in the northeastern states. The situation remains fluid, and India will continue engaging with China to ensure adherence to international water-sharing principles and ecological stability in the region.
The construction of this mega dam is expected to remain a contentious issue between India and China in the coming years. While diplomatic efforts continue, India is also exploring alternative strategies to secure its water interests. Strengthening internal water management policies, developing its own hydroelectric projects, and enhancing regional cooperation with Bangladesh could be key steps in mitigating potential risks.
The coming months will be crucial in determining how India and China navigate this issue. Transparency, cooperation, and adherence to international water-sharing norms will be essential to ensuring that the rights of lower riparian states are not compromised. As India continues to monitor China’s activities on the Brahmaputra, it remains to be seen whether China will engage in meaningful discussions and address the concerns raised by its neighbor.