Arunachal CM Warns of Risks from China's Largest Dam
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Synopsis
On January 24, Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu warned that China's construction of the world's largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river endangers water security, ecology, and livelihoods for millions in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh, emphasizing the need for international cooperation.
Key Takeaways
- China's dam poses risks to millions' livelihoods.
- Potential disruptions include flooding and drought.
- Urgent need for cooperative water governance.
- Dam could devastate ecological balance downstream.
- Historic ties between India and Tibet through Buddhism.
Itanagar, Jan 24 (NationPress) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday expressed that China’s construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river poses substantial dangers to the water security, ecology, and livelihoods of millions downstream in his state, Assam, and the neighboring nation of Bangladesh.
The Chief Minister stated, "The potential interruptions of water flow, flooding, and ecosystem degradation could have far-reaching consequences on us."
Khandu criticized China’s reluctance to engage in binding international water treaties and its selective sharing of hydrological data, highlighting the urgent need for cooperative governance of shared water resources in Asia.
During the opening ceremony of a seminar titled ‘Environment and Security’ at the Dorjee Khandu Auditorium Hall of the state Assembly, Khandu drew attention to the Chinese initiative to construct the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which flows into Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang and transforms into the Brahmaputra in Assam before entering Bangladesh.
He emphasized that the dam would enable China to dictate the timing and volume of water flowing downstream, potentially leading to catastrophic effects during low flow or drought periods.
The mighty Siang, or the Brahmaputra river, could experience a significant reduction in flow during winter months, disrupting life in the Siang region and Assam, Khandu warned.
Conversely, he noted that sudden water releases from the dam could lead to severe flooding downstream, especially during monsoon seasons, which could displace communities, devastate crops, and damage infrastructure.
Additionally, the dam would affect the sediment flow, compromising agricultural lands that depend on the river’s natural nutrient replenishment, he added.
Khandu pointed out that all major rivers in India originate from the Tibetan Plateau and argued that the Chinese government’s extensive exploitation of Tibetan resources poses a grave threat to these river systems, which are vital for millions of Indians.
"Tibet is often referred to as the 'Water Tower of Asia', supplying water to over a billion people in the region. Its environmental health is crucial not only for China and India but also for much of Asia. Thus, India, given its direct reliance on Tibet's rivers and climate patterns, has a significant role to play in global environmental conservation efforts," Khandu stated.
He commended the Tibet Support Group of Arunachal Pradesh and the Core Group for Tibetan Cause for organizing the seminar, expressing hope that the discussions would be instrumental in finding solutions to the alarming environmental situation in Tibet, which poses severe risks to the entire region.
Khandu elaborated on the historical ties between India and Tibet, particularly concerning Buddhism, which dates back to the 8th century when the Nalanda school of Buddhism flourished.
"Buddhism has served as a connecting bond between India and Tibet for centuries, extending to our state. Nalanda became the epicenter for studying Buddhist philosophy, logic, ethics, and meditation, influencing Tibetan Buddhism significantly," he explained.
The seminar, attended by notable figures including Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao, centered on the environmental conditions in Tibet and their implications for India’s security.
