China has strongly defended its ambitious plan to construct the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet. Despite apprehensions from neighboring countries, Chinese authorities have assured that the project will not harm downstream nations like India and Bangladesh. The mega dam project, estimated to cost over ₹137 billion, has sparked international scrutiny due to its potential environmental and geopolitical impact.
Massive Dam Raises Global Eyebrows
The proposed dam, set to be built in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River (as the Brahmaputra is called in Tibet), represents a major engineering challenge. It is strategically located in the Himalayan region along a tectonic plate boundary prone to frequent earthquakes. However, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has dismissed safety concerns, citing decades of in-depth studies and extensive precautionary measures undertaken by Chinese experts.
“China has always been responsible for the development of cross-border rivers,” Mao stated, emphasizing that ecological and safety factors have been prioritized. “The project will not negatively affect the lower reaches,” she assured during a media briefing.
Chinese officials argue that the hydropower project is integral to advancing clean energy and mitigating climate change. The initiative aims to harness the river’s immense hydropower potential to address extreme hydrological disasters and reduce carbon emissions.
China already operates the Zam Hydropower Station, Tibet’s largest, which became functional in 2015. The upcoming dam, however, dwarfs all previous infrastructure projects, including the renowned Three Gorges Dam. The estimated investment of over one trillion yuan positions it as the largest infrastructure undertaking globally.
Concerns in India and Bangladesh
India and Bangladesh, the lower riparian states, have expressed unease over the dam’s implications. Analysts suggest that the project could give China unprecedented control over the water flow of the Brahmaputra, potentially affecting millions downstream. Additionally, concerns loom over the possibility of water release leading to floods during geopolitical tensions.
India is also advancing its hydropower initiatives on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh to counterbalance China’s growing influence. Both nations have engaged in dialogue through mechanisms like the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), established in 2006, to address cross-border river issues.
The dam’s location on the Tibetan plateau presents extraordinary engineering difficulties. Situated in an earthquake-prone zone, the construction requires meticulous planning and technological innovation. Despite these challenges, China remains resolute in completing the project as part of its 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025).
As the world watches closely, China continues to advocate for collaboration with downstream countries. Mao emphasized the importance of maintaining communication channels and strengthening cooperation on disaster prevention for mutual benefit. While China’s ambitious project promises transformative energy solutions, its geopolitical and environmental ramifications underline the need for cautious diplomacy and comprehensive risk assessments.
