Latest news with #ChownaMein
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
China's $170 bn dam on Brahmaputra: Should India worry?
Three Gorges Dam in China on Yangtze river is the biggest in the world. Now China has started building an even bigger dam. As per Xinhua news agency, China's Premier Li Qiang has announced that construction has begun on the dam on Yarlung Zangbo — the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra river — on the eastern rim of the Tibetan Plateau near the Indian border, at an estimated cost of at least $170 billion. It will have the capacity to produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equal to the amount of electricity consumed by Britain last year. It's expected to be completed in the 2030s. While India and Bangladesh have already raised concerns about its possible impact on the millions of people downstream, China has said the dam will help meet power demand in Tibet and the rest of China without having a major effect on downstream water supplies. Explore courses from Top Institutes in Select a Course Category Operations Management CXO others Data Analytics healthcare Data Science MCA Others Leadership Public Policy Digital Marketing Data Science MBA PGDM Technology Design Thinking Management Degree Artificial Intelligence Healthcare Product Management Cybersecurity Project Management Skills you'll gain: Quality Management & Lean Six Sigma Analytical Tools Supply Chain Management & Strategies Service Operations Management Duration: 10 Months IIM Lucknow IIML Executive Programme in Strategic Operations Management & Supply Chain Analytics Starts on Jan 27, 2024 Get Details China's " water bomb " aimed at India? India has raised concerns over the dam, as it not only empowers China to control the river's water flow but also poses the risk of flooding border areas by releasing large volumes of water during potential hostilities due to its sheer size and scale, news agency PTI had reported. India is also constructing its own dam on the Siang River, as Brahmaputra is called in Arunachal Pradesh , the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project. In March, Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein said that if China builds the massive dam over Yarlung Tsangpo river and diverts its water, it will dry up the Siang river and its distributaries affecting the aquatic life of the river and the large population in the plains of Assam and Bangladesh which depends on Brahmaputra river for the irrigation of their agricultural fields. On the other hand, in case, if any conflict arises between the two nations in future, it may release a large volume of water from the dam, which would cause unpredicted flooding in the downstream areas in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam causing loss of lives and properties. In April, BJP MP from Arunachal East, Tapir Gao, described China's planned dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo as a "water bomb" that China could unleash against India and other downstream nations. "We have two options — raise our voice, though Xi Jinping will not listen; or build an alternative large dam to counter the Chinese water bomb," Gao said. Live Events "China isn't merely building dams; it's creating 'water bombs'. The devastation such actions can cause was evident in 2000 when floods triggered by a massive water release washed away nearly all the bridges on the Siang river, as the Yarlung Tsangpo is called in Arunachal Pradesh. Pasighat airport was submerged under 7 feet of water at the time," Gao said. Gao backed a proposal to build a dam on the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh to mitigate downstream disasters. "Experts informed me the dam could have a 25-metre buffer level extending up to 15km, capable of retaining substantial water during sudden releases and averting disaster. Public consultations are ongoing regarding the proposed dam," he said. However, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Guo Jiakun said in January that the dam would, to some extent, contribute to downstream disaster prevention, mitigation, and climate change response. This was in response to a question about India's concerns regarding the dam, which were discussed during talks between Indian officials and the visiting then US national security advisor, Jake Sullivan. Should India worry? Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday tried to alleviate fears on China's move to construct the world's largest dam on Brahmaputra and said he does not foresee any immediate cause of worry as the river gets most of its waters from Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. Speaking to reporters, Sarma said the exact impact of the massive dam, the construction of which began last week, is not properly known as different theories are being floated, and hoped that the Centre must be in touch with China on the matter. "First -- if Brahmaputra's flow is disturbed by China, then there may be less water and consequently biodiversity will be affected. But there is also a counter view that if less water comes, it will also act as a flood cushioning. So, I don't know which one is correct," he added. Sarma said that the Centre is a better judge on this topic and it will take a call on this. Unlike the Indus system, where India holds the upstream advantage and Pakistan remains critically dependent on downstream flows, the Brahmaputra dynamic is less binary. As per a TOI article published in July, China commands an upstream position but its leverage is not absolute. Brahmaputra gains most of its volume only after it enters India, fed by torrential tributaries like Lohit, Dibang, and many others draining the eastern Himalayas. Yarlung spans 1,625 km across the Tibetan plateau and seems, at first glance, a river shaped upstream. Only, as it plunges through the Siang gorge into Arunachal and transforms into Brahmaputra, its character changes dramatically. Contrary to the common assumption that upstream means control, Tibet contributes only about 14% of the river's total annual flow. A staggering 86% is generated within India — driven largely by intense monsoon rains and a network of torrential tributaries in Arunachal and Assam. But the real threat is not of deprivation. It is of sudden inundation. If China releases large volumes of water during the flood season, it is India's northeast, particularly Arunachal and Assam, that stands most exposed, as per the TOI article. While China cannot easily weaponise the river by cutting off its flow, the risk will stem from sudden surges — be it from upstream dam releases, engineering misjudgements, or the erratic extremes of a warming climate. For Arunachal and Assam, already battered by recurrent monsoon floods, such shocks could prove devastating. China doesn't have a pact with any of the lower riparians. India and China did sign an MoU in 2013 but Indian officials said China has not always been open about sharing hydrological data.
News18
3 days ago
- Politics
- News18
Arunachal CM pushes for local consensus on Siang Upper Multipurpose Project
Itanagar, Jul 21 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Monday underscored the importance of local people's participation in the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). He told officials to ensure that indigenous voices are integrated into every stage of the hydropower initiative. Chairing a high-level review meeting with Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, chief secretary Manish Kumar Gupta, and senior officers from the hydro power development department at the civil secretariat here, Khandu said, 'Their (indigenous) feedback must be duly considered at every stage." The statement comes amid growing signs of local acceptance for the controversial project, with villagers from Riga and Pangkang (Kumku) recently signing MoUs in support of a Pre-Feasibility Report (PFR) of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. The chief minister expressed satisfaction over reports that villagers from the project-affected areas are coming forward to support the preparation of the PFR, terming it a positive development for participatory hydropower planning. The SUMP is a proposed 11,000 MW run-of-the-river hydroelectric project on the Siang River, one of the major tributaries of the Brahmaputra. Originally conceived by NHPC in 2009, it is envisioned not just as a power generator but also a critical tool for irrigation and flood moderation. The reservoir, if built to full scale, would be among the largest in the country, with a storage capacity of nearly 9 billion cubic metres. PTI COR UPL UPL RG view comments First Published: July 21, 2025, 20:30 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
United News of India
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- United News of India
Tsering Sandup wins Arunachal Idol Season 7 amidst grand cultural celebration
Itanagar, July 13 (UNI) In a spectacular celebration of music and talent, Tsering Sandup was crowned the winner of Arunachal Idol Season 7 during the grand finale held yesterday in Namsai, the Land of Pagodas. The event blended the rich cultural vibrancy of the Tai-Khamti community with electrifying performances by the finalists, creating an unforgettable evening for music lovers. Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein graced the finale and praised the contestants for their dedication and outstanding performances. Congratulating Tsering Sandup on winning the title, the Chief Minister praised all the finalists—Julee Tikkom, Dakmo Riba, Joyri Longri, and Lobsang Wangmu Damo—for their exceptional performances and heartfelt dedication. 'Your voices moved us, and your dedication made us proud,' Khandu stated, reaffirming the government's commitment to creating spaces for youth to thrive. 'When you give your best, we'll be there with the platform, the support, and the belief in your potential. Arunachal is cheering you on,' he added Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein echoed similar sentiments, saying, 'Each finalist gave their best and set the stage alive with passion and the spirit of music. My heartiest congratulations to Tsering Sandup and all the top finalists for making Arunachal proud.' Other winners included Julee Tikkom (1st Runner-Up), Dakmo Riba (2nd Runner-Up), Joyri Longri (3rd place), and Lobsang Wangmu Damo (4th place). The evening saw soulful renditions, dynamic performances, and an enthusiastic audience celebrating music and youthful expression. Organisers and officials hailed the event as not only a platform for discovering vocal talent but also a powerful space for cultural expression, inspiration, and community pride. UNI TD ARN
India Gazette
09-07-2025
- India Gazette
Arunachal Pradesh Deputy CM launches Nadi Utsav 2025 in Namsai, releases 30,000 fingerlings to conserve aquatic life
Namsai (Arunachal Pradesh) [India], July 9 (ANI): Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has launched the Nadi Utsav 2025 at Namsai in a bid to conserve aquatic life and restore fish populations in the river systems. As part of the initiative, 30,000 fingerlings of various fish species, including Rohu, Catla, Mrigal, Grass Carp, Labeo Gonius, and Labeo Kalbasu, were released into the Marua, Teang, and Namtenga rivers on Tuesday. The release also included endangered local freshwater species such as Pavi, Pahum, and Palao, with the goal of restoring their populations in the riverine ecosystem. An awareness campaign was also held to create awareness about the importance of conserving the environment and restoring aquatic life to the masses. On this occasion, tree saplings were also planted as part of the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign to make the environment greener. Addressing the gathering, Mein said that the 'Nadi Utsav' is being observed to restore fish populations in the rivers and said to extend the initiative to more rivers and areas in the upcoming phase. He called upon the village heads and community leaders to spearhead the conservation movement and deploy youths to guard the forest and rivers from illegal hunting and rampant fishing in order to protect the rich flora and fauna and aquatic life. He further called to preserve the river sites and keep them clean. Taking serious note of the conservation effort, he warned that any body found throwing garbage in the river site and engaging in illegal fishing will be taken to task and action will be initiated against the defaulter as per the law. He said that the Flying Squad will be deployed to check the illegal fishing along the rivers, and speedboats will be provided to facilitate 24/7 checking. The Deputy CM further said that Arunachal Pradesh comes under the 12th biodiversity hotspot of the world, and we must strive to conserve it. He called upon the youths to abstain from drugs and engage themselves in meaningful activities. He assured that support will be extended to Drug De-addiction Centres and Rehabilitation Centres, and requested the Monks to extend their help in the fight against the drug menace and guiding the youths in the right direction. Mein expressed optimism about the collective efforts to conserve aquatic life and the environment, stating that the united action and community involvement would lead to the revival of the rivers' biodiversity in the near future. The campaign saw enthusiastic participation from community leaders and people of all ages, HoDs, PRI members, party karyakartas and government officials despite the scorching heat. The campaign was joined by MLA Namsai, Zingnu Namchoom, ZPC Nang Urmila Mancheykhun, ADC Namsai Kalyani Namchoom, ADC Chongkham K Tikhak, SP Sange Thinley, President of Arunachal Pradesh Bhikkhu Sangha Ven. Dhammakitti, Head Monk of Kongmu Kham Ven. Vimalatissa, Monks, HoDs, ZPMs, BJP karyakartas led by District President, Ningroo Ong Maio, and others. (ANI)
Time of India
26-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mein bats for integrating traditional knowledge with modern health infra
Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh deputy CM Chowna Mein has emphasised the importance of integrating traditional knowledge systems with modern health infrastructure. Speaking during a three-day event in Itanagar on Wednesday evening on the theme, 'Strengthening Community Engagement for Sustainable Health and Water Solutions', Mein called for preservation and institutionalisation of indigenous medicinal practices, enhanced investment in climate-resilient infrastructure and the promotion of women and youth leadership in water and health governance. Mein emphasised the unique challenges faced by Himalayan states, including geographical remoteness, ecological vulnerability and uneven access to public services, and underlined the central role of community engagement in addressing these issues effectively. The deputy CM highlighted the recent progress made by Arunachal Pradesh such as the Chief Minister's Arogya Arunachal Yojana (CMAAY), drone-based healthcare delivery under 'Medicine from the Sky', the state's milestone achievement of 100 per cent household tap water coverage under the Jal Jeevan Mission. He also reaffirmed the state govt's commitment to community-led, technology-based and culturally respectful development, saying that our communities are not just beneficiaries but equal partners in shaping a healthier and more resilient Himalayan future.
