The Indian government is keeping a close watch on all developments related to the Brahmaputra River, particularly regarding China’s plans to construct large-scale hydropower projects. Union Minister of State for Environment, Kirti Vardhan Singh, informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday that necessary measures are being taken to safeguard national interests.
China has proposed the construction of a massive 60,000 MW hydropower project, commonly referred to as a “super dam,” on the Yarlung Tsangpo River. This river is the upper stretch of the Brahmaputra, flowing through Tibet’s Medog County before entering India. The scale of this project has raised concerns in India, given its potential impact on water flow, ecology, and downstream communities.
Responding to a query raised by Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Sushmita Dev, Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh stated that the Indian government is fully aware of China’s plans to develop the mega dam in the Tibet Autonomous Region. He reassured that the government continuously monitors these developments and remains committed to protecting the country’s interests.
In a written response, the minister emphasized that India has a structured approach to addressing concerns related to trans-border rivers. Discussions on such matters take place through an institutional expert-level mechanism that was established in 2006. Additionally, diplomatic channels are utilized to communicate India’s stance and concerns to the Chinese authorities.
Singh further elaborated that, as a lower riparian state with substantial established user rights over the waters of trans-border rivers, India has consistently expressed its concerns to China. The government has urged Beijing to ensure that activities in upstream areas do not adversely impact the downstream states of India. Such diplomatic engagements seek to prevent potential disruptions to water availability, ecological balance, and the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the Brahmaputra River basin.
To better understand the potential consequences of hydropower projects on the river system, extensive studies have been conducted on major tributaries of the Brahmaputra in India’s northeastern region. These assessments focus on evaluating the cumulative impact and the carrying capacity of the river system. The findings from such studies play a crucial role in formulating strategies to mitigate both ecological and socio-economic risks associated with hydroelectric projects in the basin.
The Brahmaputra River is a vital water source for millions of people in India’s northeastern states, playing a critical role in agriculture, fishing, and regional biodiversity. Any significant alteration to its natural flow due to upstream interventions could have far-reaching consequences. Hence, the government remains proactive in addressing potential challenges and engaging with China through diplomatic and expert-level discussions to ensure the sustainable management of the river’s resources.
Overall, the Indian government’s approach is a combination of scientific research, diplomatic engagement, and policy measures aimed at ensuring that the interests of the nation and its people remain protected in light of China’s hydropower ambitions on the Yarlung Tsangpo.