Concerns have been raised by Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu regarding China’s plan to construct a massive hydropower dam in eastern Tibet. The dam, if built, could potentially be used as a “water bomb” by Beijing, posing a significant threat to the region.
Speaking at a seminar titled ‘Environment and Security’, Mr. Khandu highlighted China’s intention to build a hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which flows into Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang river and eventually becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam before reaching Bangladesh. The project has the capacity to generate 60,000 MW of power, raising concerns about its ecological impact on the surrounding areas.
Mr. Khandu emphasized the need to consider the implications of such a large-scale project, particularly in light of China’s past activities and lack of trustworthiness. He also stressed the importance of national projects like the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, which aims to generate 11,000 MW of hydroelectric power.
Given China’s history of territorial expansion and exploitation of natural resources, Mr. Khandu urged stakeholders to prioritize water security and be prepared for any potential threats posed by the dam. He highlighted the risks of water scarcity during low flow periods and the possibility of severe flooding due to sudden releases of water from the dam.
The proposed dam, approved by the Chinese government, has raised concerns about its impact on the Brahmaputra ecosystem and the livelihoods of communities downstream. Both Mr. Khandu and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma have expressed their concerns to the Chinese government and stressed the need for dialogue to address these issues.
