China's Planned Mega Dam to Significantly Impact Northeast India's Downstream Regions

Guwahati, April 8 (NationPress) BJP MP from Arunachal Pradesh, Tapir Gao stated on Tuesday that China's intended construction of the Great Bend Dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River would have a profound impact on the downstream regions of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and the broader northeast region.

While participating in a seminar titled Ensuring Water Security, Ecological Integrity, and Disaster Resilience in the Sub-Himalayan Region: The Case of the Brahmaputra, Gao, who is known for his strong opposition to China's initiatives, emphasized that this is not merely a dam but a “water bomb” intended for use against India and other lower riparian nations.

He recalled the catastrophic floods of June 2000, which were instigated by a similar “water bomb” that devastated more than 10 bridges along the Siang River, the name for the Yarlung Tsangpo in Arunachal Pradesh, before it transforms into the Brahmaputra upon entering Assam.

The MP also endorsed the idea of constructing another dam on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate disaster risks downstream due to potential sudden water releases from the proposed Great Bend dam.

Brahmaputra Board Chairman Ranbir Singh highlighted that the Brahmaputra Basin is the only water-surplus river basin in India, contrasting with the rest, which are water-scarce.

“With this dam in China, are we facing a water-deficient Brahmaputra river basin?” he questioned.

Singh stressed the importance of a comprehensive strategy, which includes intensifying opposition against the project, seeking support on international platforms, and fostering collaborations.

During the seminar hosted by the northeast's leading think-tank Asian Confluence, various experts underscored the potential dire downstream effects of China's proposed series of dams designed to generate 60,000 MW, impacting northeast India and Bangladesh.

Author and Tibet specialist Claude Arpi remarked that China’s ambitions extend beyond being a power giant with the dam in Medog County; it also aims to redirect the waters of the Yarlung Tsangpo to the Yellow River through an extensive network of tunnels.

Asian politics and history expert Bertil Linter pointed out that the Chinese invasion of Tibet in the late 1950s specifically targeted the numerous mega rivers originating from the “Roof of the World”.

“China has constructed 11 mega dams solely on the Mekong River, which is vital for five other nations,” he noted.

Linter also emphasized the necessity for India to establish a water-sharing agreement with China, as the absence of such an accord could result in “bilateral conflicts” between the two neighboring countries.

Prof. Anamika Baruah from IIT Guwahati highlighted studies predicting an increase in “dry days” downstream of the Tibetan Plateau, with a forecast of more “wet days” ahead as a result of the numerous dams being erected in the area.

However, she pointed out the lack of collaborative studies on the matter with China.

Making a passionate plea to raise awareness about the issue across various platforms, including Parliament, Prof. Baruah urged: “Let’s shape the narrative before it is shaped for us.”

Experts from Nepal and Bhutan, along with a range of specialists in ecology, water resource management, international relations, environmental law, engineering, policy formulation, governance, and economics, also participated in the seminar.

The seminar aimed to encourage a collaborative dialogue among governmental agencies, civil society organizations, environmental practitioners, and academics regarding the significant challenges posed by the proposed dam in Tibet, amidst the looming threat of climate change.

On the key takeaways from the seminar, Asian Confluence director Sabyasachi Dutta stated that there is an urgent need for India to initiate more scientific studies to ensure that the issue does not get diluted by simplistic media narratives. “Only such initiatives will lay a strong foundation for international support against China's proposed dam at the Great Bend,” he concluded.