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News18
21-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
'Two Scientific Views': Why Assam CM Is Not Worried About China's Brahmaputra Dam Project
Last Updated: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma downplays concerns over China's Brahmaputra dam, citing multiple water sources. He trusts the central government to handle discussions with China. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday tried to downplay the immediate concerns over China's construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, saying there is no immediate cause for worry. Addressing reporters in Guwahati, CM Sarma noted that the Brahmaputra is not dependent on a single water source, with much of its flow coming from Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and rainfall within Assam. 'I am not immediately worried because Brahmaputra is a mighty river and it is not dependent on a single source (of water)," news agency PTI quoted Sarma as saying. China last week officially launched the $167.8 billion-project in Tibet near the Arunachal Pradesh border. Once complete, the five-stage hydropower project will generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity annually—enough to power over 300 million people—and surpass the scale of China's Three Gorges Dam. Sarma acknowledged uncertainty about the dam's effects, pointing out that scientific opinions vary. '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 said, adding that the central government is better placed to review the implications. 'I am sure that they (Centre) must already be having a discussion with China or will have a discussion with the neighbouring country," he added. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu in the past expressed serious concerns over China's mega project, calling it ticking 'water bomb". He termed China's project an existential threat and a bigger issue than anything else apart from the military threat. 'The issue is that China cannot be trusted. No one knows what they might do," he told PTI. The Brahmaputra, known as Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet, flows through one of the world's most seismically active and rain-heavy regions. Its course takes a U-turn before entering Arunachal Pradesh and then Assam, raising concerns in India and Bangladesh about flood control and water security. India is also building a dam on the river in Arunachal. Talks on trans-border river data sharing between India and China are ongoing under the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM). view comments First Published: 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.
Mint
20-07-2025
- Business
- Mint
China begins $167.8 billion Brahmaputra dam construction in Tibet. What does it mean for India?
China has officially begun construction on a USD 167.8 billion dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, near the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the launch during a groundbreaking ceremony held at the lower reaches of the river, known locally as the Yarlung Zangbo in Nyingchi City, according to official reports. The ceremony took place at the site of the Mainling hydropower station in the Tibet Autonomous Region, as reported by state-run Xinhua news agency. China has officially begun construction on what is being described as the world's largest infrastructure project, a massive hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. According to official Chinese media, the ambitious project will include five cascade hydropower stations, with a total estimated investment of 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately USD 167.8 billion). Also Read: India 'concerned' as China announces plans for mega dam over Brahmaputra in Tibet: 'Will take measures to…' Once completed, the stations are expected to generate more than 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, reportedly enough to power over 300 million people, making it the largest such effort on the planet, even surpassing China's Three Gorges Dam. The dam is set to be built in a massive gorge in the Himalayas, where the Brahmaputra River, known locally as Yarlung Zangbo, makes a dramatic U-turn before flowing into Arunachal Pradesh and then onward to Bangladesh. Also Read: India, China contest for hegemony on Brahmaputra; Beijing makes 'drought' plan The project's location and scale have provoked strong reactions from India and Bangladesh, both of which rely heavily on the uninterrupted flow of the Brahmaputra for agriculture, drinking water, and ecosystem stability. Concerns centre around disruptions to water flow, blocking of nutrient-rich silt, and potential ecological damage, as well as the possibility that China could use control over the river as strategic leverage. Concerns arose in India as the dam besides empowering China to control the water flow, the size and scale of it could also enable Beijing to release large amounts of water flooding border areas in times of hostilities. India, too, is building a dam over the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. India and China established the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006 to discuss various issues related to transboundary rivers, under which China provides India with hydrological information on the Brahmaputra River and the Sutlej River during the flood seasons. Data sharing of trans-border rivers figured in the talks between India, China's Special Representatives (SRs) for the border question, NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held on December 18 last year. The Brahmaputra Dam presents enormous engineering challenges as the project site is located along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes occur. The Tibetan plateau, regarded as the roof of the world, frequently experiences earthquakes as it is located over the tectonic plates. But an official statement in December last year sought to allay concerns about earthquakes, saying that the hydropower project is safe and prioritises ecological protection. Through extensive geological explorations and technical advancements, a solid foundation has been laid for the science-based, secure, and high-quality development of the project. It said the Brahmaputra flows across the Tibetan Plateau, carving out the deepest canyon on Earth. The dam will be built in one of the rainiest parts.
India Today
20-07-2025
- Business
- India Today
China begins construction of $167 billion mega dam over Brahmaputra in Tibet
China on Saturday formally started the construction of a USD 167.8 billion dam over the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border in Arunachal Premier Li Qiang announced the start of the construction of the dam at a groundbreaking ceremony in the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra River, locally known as Yarlung Zangbo, at Nyingchi City, official media groundbreaking ceremony took place at the dam site of Nyingchi's Mainling hydropower station in Tibet Autonomous Region, state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The hydropower project, regarded as the biggest infrastructure project in the world, raised concerns in the lower riparian countries, India and project will consist of five cascade hydropower stations, with a total investment estimated at around 1.2 trillion Yuan (about USD 167.8 billion), the report to a 2023 report, the hydropower station is expected to generate more than 300 billion kWh of electricity each year - enough to meet the annual needs of over 300 million will primarily deliver electricity for external consumption while also addressing local demand in Tibet, which China officially refers to as Xizang. Representatives from various organisations, including the National Development and Reform Commission and the Power Construction Corporation of China and locals attended the ceremony, the report project was approved in December last dam is to be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra River makes a huge U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then to Bangladesh. According to earlier reports, the size of the project would dwarf any other single infrastructure project on the planet, including China's own Three Gorges dam, regarded as the largest in the has already operationalised the USD 1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, in 2015, which raised concerns in arose in India as the dam, besides empowering China to control the water flow, the size and scale of it could also enable Beijing to release large amounts of water, flooding border areas in times of too, is building a dam over the Brahmaputra in Arunachal and China established the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006 to discuss various issues related to trans-border rivers under which China provides India with hydrological information on the Brahmaputra river and Sutlej river during the flood sharing of transborder rivers figured in the talks between India, China Special Representatives (SRs) for border question, NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, held here on December 18 last Brahmaputra Dam presents enormous engineering challenges as the project site is located along a tectonic plate boundary where earthquakes Tibetan plateau, regarded as the roof of the world, frequently experiences earthquakes as it is located over the tectonic an official statement in December last year sought to allay concerns about earthquakes, saying that the hydropower project is safe and prioritises ecological extensive geological explorations and technical advancements, a solid foundation has been laid for the science-based, secure, and high-quality development of the project, it Brahmaputra flows across the Tibetan Plateau, carving out the deepest canyon on Earth. The dam will be built in one of the rainiest parts. - EndsTune InMust Watch
News18
19-07-2025
- Business
- News18
China Starts Construction Of Mega-Dam On Brahmaputra In Tibet. What It Means For India
Last Updated: The dam project, called the Yarlung Zangbo River Lower Reaches Hydropower Project, involves the construction of five cascade power stations China has begun building a massive hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, known as the Brahmaputra once it enters India. The project, launched on Saturday in the Tibet region, has raised serious concerns for downstream countries, especially India and Bangladesh. The ceremony was attended by Chinese Premier Li Qiang, along with officials from central agencies, state-owned enterprises, engineers, and local representatives, according to China's state-run Xinhua news agency. The dam project, called the Yarlung Zangbo River Lower Reaches Hydropower Project, involves the construction of five cascade power stations. It aims to straighten parts of the river's natural bends and divert water through tunnels. The total investment is around 1.2 trillion yuan (about $167.8 billion). China has stated that the electricity generated will be mainly used outside the region, while also meeting local needs in Tibet. What It Means For India However, this move has sparked alarm in India, which lies downstream. Indian officials fear the dam could affect water flow, agriculture, and ecological balance in the northeastern states. Any disruption in the Brahmaputra's flow could harm millions who depend on the river for farming and daily life. India has raised the issue with China several times. After China first announced the dam plans in late 2023, India asked for greater transparency and consultation. On 27 March this year, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told Parliament that India had urged China to respect the interests of downstream countries. Talks were also held during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Beijing in January. Both sides agreed to hold a meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism, a platform created in 2006 for discussing river-related issues. India also pushed for the resumption of hydrological data sharing from China, which is vital for managing river flows and preparing for floods. Earlier this week, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. He stressed the need to address long-standing issues, including water cooperation, to build stable ties based on mutual respect and sensitivity. '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," he had shared on X after the meeting. (With inputs from IANS) view comments 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.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
India, China agree to hold 'functional talks' on trade, eco
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel New Delhi: India and China have agreed to hold talks to discuss and resolve specific issues of concern, especially in the areas of economics and trade, during the visit of the vice foreign minister of China, Sun Weidong. They will also work towards expediting resumption of direct flights. Sources said the issue of rare earth metal supplies that have been hit by Chinese export controls was also raised by the Indian side during the talks."The two sides agreed to hold certain functional dialogues, including in the areas of economic and trade, to discuss and resolve specific issues of concern," it said. Earlier, the MEA said it remains in touch with China on supply chain concerns."The Chinese Ministry of Commerce and General Administration of Customs, in early April, announced its decision to implement export controls on certain rare earth related items. We remain in touch with the Chinese side in Beijing and in Delhi, to bring predictability in supply chains for trade consistent with international practices," the spokesman said on appreciated China's cooperation for the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year. He also hoped for continued progress of the Expert Level Mechanism for cooperation in trans-border rivers that has been working towards resumption of provision of hydrological direct air services, Misri expressed hope for an early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed to take practical steps for visa facilitation and exchanges between the media and think-tanks.
