Atharva

China's Brahmaputra Dam: A Major Environmental and Geopolitical Concern

Environment and Biodiversity

Introduction

China's plan to construct the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (Brahmaputra in India) has raised serious concerns about its environmental impact, agricultural productivity, and geopolitical implications. The dam, proposed near the Great Bend in Tibet, could significantly alter the natural flow of the river, affecting millions of people in India and Bangladesh.

Understanding the Brahmaputra River’s Strategic Importance

A River with Many Names

The Brahmaputra River, originating from the Chemayungdung Glacier in Tibet, flows eastward as the Yarlung Tsangpo before entering India through Arunachal Pradesh, where it is called the Siang/Dihang River. As it flows into Assam, it is known as the Brahmaputra, before entering Bangladesh as the Jamuna River and merging with the Padma River to drain into the Bay of Bengal.

Unique Flow Dynamics

The Brahmaputra River’s flow changes direction multiple times, with a steep slope in Tibet making it ideal for hydropower generation. However, as it enters India, it receives heavy monsoon-fed tributaries like Dibang, Lohit, and Subansiri, increasing water volume and silt deposition, forming riverine islands such as Majuli, the world’s largest river island.

Why is China’s Dam on the Brahmaputra a Concern?

Environmental Risks

Disruption of Natural Flow: The dam could alter water distribution, impacting agriculture and biodiversity.

Increased Risk of Floods and Droughts: China’s control over the river's flow might exacerbate floods in monsoons and droughts in dry seasons.

Seismic Vulnerability: The region lies in a highly active seismic zone, making the dam prone to earthquakes and potential disasters.

Loss of Biodiversity: The project threatens the Eastern Himalayan ecosystem, home to endangered species.

Impact on India’s Hydropower Projects

India has several hydropower projects dependent on Brahmaputra’s flow, including:

Lower Subansiri (2,000 MW)

Dibang (3,000 MW)

Kameng (600 MW)

Teesta-V (510 MW)

A reduction in water flow due to the Chinese dam could jeopardize power generation, affecting energy security and local economies.

Geopolitical Implications

China’s Hydropower Expansion Strategy

China, with the largest number of operational dams in the world, is now targeting transboundary rivers to meet its green energy goals under its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025). This raises concerns for downstream nations like India and Bangladesh, which rely heavily on the Brahmaputra for water security and agriculture.

India’s Response and Need for Transboundary Cooperation

Despite existing MoUs and the Expert-Level Mechanism (2006) for hydrological data sharing, India and China lack a formal water-sharing treaty. India has urged China to ensure no harm is caused to downstream countries.

Solutions to Mitigate Risks:

Real-Time Hydrological Data Sharing: Establishing a transparent water-sharing agreement.

International Diplomatic Pressure: Engaging with global organizations like UNESCO, World Bank, and UN Water.

Strengthening India’s Hydropower Infrastructure: Expanding domestic dam projects to reduce dependence on Chinese-controlled water flow.

Sustainable River Basin Management: Joint efforts with Bangladesh and Bhutan for ecological conservation.

Conclusion

China’s proposed Brahmaputra Dam poses serious environmental, agricultural, and geopolitical risks for India and Bangladesh. Strategic diplomatic negotiations, real-time hydrological data sharing, and strengthening domestic water management policies are crucial to safeguarding India’s water security and ecological balance.

China’s proposed Brahmaputra dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River poses serious risks to India and Bangladesh, impacting agriculture, biodiversity, and regional stability. Learn about the environmental and geopolitical implications of this project.

Brahmaputra Dam, China’s Hydropower Projects, Yarlung Tsangpo, Brahmaputra River, Geopolitical Concerns, Environmental Impact, India-China Water Dispute, Transboundary Rivers, Indian Hydropower, Climate Change, Himalayan Ecology