China is set to build a mega-dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, potentially the world’s largest, at a cost of approximately $137 billion. The project, which could affect water flow into India, raises significant environmental and geopolitical concerns amid the backdrop of historical tensions between the two countries. China’s assurance of no adverse impact on downstream nations has done little to quell India’s apprehension about water security.

China is advancing its plans to construct a large-scale dam near the contested border with India, potentially making it the largest in the world, with an estimated investment of 1 trillion yuan ($137 billion). The dam, located on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet, could generate up to three times the power of the current largest dam, the Three Gorges Dam. This ambitious project could exacerbate tensions between China and India, given that the river flows through the disputed Arunachal Pradesh region and is significant to India’s water supply.

The Chinese government heralded this hydropower project as a means to stimulate economic growth but has faced scrutiny over its environmental impact and the implications for water management in India. The project, which may take around a decade to complete, raises concerns about diminishing water flow to downstream regions, prompting apprehension from India regarding water security.

In response to these concerns, China’s Foreign Ministry has assured that there will be no adverse effects on downstream countries and has committed to cooperation and communication with those nations on hydrological matters. The complexity of constructing this dam in a remote area, coupled with the environmental ramifications, adds layers of challenges to what could be a transformative energy project for China and a potential flashpoint in Sino-Indian relations.

Analysts previously questioned the feasibility of such a dam due to logistical difficulties, although recent assessments suggest significant electricity generation potential exists at the site. Environmentalist apprehensions center around the potential destruction of biodiversity in what has been designated a natural reserve and one of China’s most biologically diverse areas. As construction efforts unfold, international attention remains focused on the ramifications this project may have on bilateral ties and regional water politics.

The proposed dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which flows into India where it is known as the Brahmaputra, is viewed as a strategic asset amid long-standing territorial disputes between India and China. The river arises in Tibet and is crucial to India’s water supply, thus any alteration of its flow could severely affect water availability in Northern India. Recent years have seen a stabilization of bilateral ties after significant tensions, particularly following a violent border clash in 2020. The stakes surrounding the dam extend beyond construction logistics, involving critical environmental and political considerations.

The construction of the mega-dam by China signifies an escalation in the energy race and geopolitical tensions along its border with India. While aimed at bolstering China’s energy capacity and economic recovery, the project threatens to heighten concerns over water security in India, particularly regarding the management of a vital resource. As the situation develops, the international community will be closely observing potential ramifications for Sino-Indian relations.

Original Source: www.livemint.com

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