China has officially commenced construction of a massive dam project on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra, raising serious concerns for downstream countries, including India and Bangladesh.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attended the groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday and formally announced the start of the Yarlung Zangbo River Lower Reaches Hydropower Project in Tibet.
According to China’s state-run local news agency, responsible officials from relevant central and state departments, representatives from central enterprises, members of the expert advisory committee, project research and construction teams, and local community representatives were present at the event.
The state media reported that the project would primarily adopt a development method involving straightening river bends and diverting water through tunnels. It plans to build five cascade power stations with a total investment of around 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately 167.8 billion US dollars).
The generated power will mainly be transmitted outside the region, although local consumption in Xizang will also be addressed.
The Chinese government maintains that the massive hydropower project will meet the region’s energy demands while boosting the national power supply.
However, India and Bangladesh have expressed concerns that the dam’s construction could significantly affect water availability and ecological stability in the Brahmaputra’s downstream areas.
India has long monitored developments related to the Brahmaputra and has consistently raised its concerns with China over its ambitious plans to build large-scale hydropower projects along the river. New Delhi has emphasised that it has taken preventive and corrective measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of Indian citizens living in downstream states.
After China announced its plans for the mega dam, India registered its concerns on 30 December last year, highlighting the need for transparency and consultation with affected downstream countries.
“Various issues relating to trans-border rivers are discussed with China under the ambit of an institutionalised Expert Level Mechanism, which was established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels.
As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, Government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas,” Kirti Vardhan Singh, Minister of State in the Ministry of External Affairs, had informed the Rajya Sabha while replying to a question on 27 March about China approving the mega dam project despite India’s objections.
The matter was also discussed during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary–Vice Foreign Minister mechanism held on 26-27 January. During this visit, both sides also announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
During the visit, India and China agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to discuss the resumption of the provision of hydrological data and other cooperation pertaining to transboundary rivers. The Government of India remains engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interests,” Vardhan stated in Parliament.
Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers’ call on the Chinese President.
Jaishankar also held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, where he underlined the importance of addressing long-standing bilateral issues through a long-term approach.
“It is incumbent on us to address aspects related to the border, normalising people-to-people exchanges and avoiding restrictive trade measures and roadblocks. Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory,” Jaishankar posted on X after his meeting on Monday.
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