China Assures India and Bangladesh of No Negative Impact from Mega Dam on Brahmaputra River
China has reassured India and Bangladesh that its plans to build the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River will not negatively affect water flows to downstream nations. The ambitious hydropower project, which will be built in Tibet, aims to tap into the immense potential of the Yarlung Zangbo River, a key tributary of the Brahmaputra.
The project, expected to cost around $137 billion, is situated in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, an area prone to frequent seismic activity due to its location along a tectonic plate boundary. The proposed dam, once operational, is set to transform China’s hydropower landscape, with implications for energy production, climate resilience, and regional water resources. During a recent media briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun clarified that the dam’s construction had undergone rigorous scientific evaluations to ensure that it would not harm the ecological balance, geological conditions, or water rights of downstream countries. He further added that the project would contribute positively by improving disaster prevention efforts and aiding climate response, particularly in regions vulnerable to extreme weather events. The announcement, however, has not quelled concerns in India, which has long held apprehensions about China’s growing water infrastructure along shared river systems. The Brahmaputra, which originates in Tibet and flows into India before entering Bangladesh, is a vital water source for millions of people in both countries. India, as a lower riparian state, has raised the issue of transparency and consultation in such mega projects, urging China to take into account the interests of downstream nations.
India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, reiterated India’s stance on the issue, stating that the government would continue to monitor developments closely and take necessary measures to safeguard its interests. “We have consistently expressed our views on the impact of projects on rivers that flow through our territory, and these concerns will be raised through expert and diplomatic channels,” Jaiswal said. India has called for transparency and a consultative approach to such projects to ensure that the flow of water to its northeastern states and Bangladesh remains unaffected. China, for its part, has emphasised that the hydropower project is not merely for energy generation but also for addressing climate change challenges, such as extreme hydrological disasters. As part of its response to these concerns, China has promised to maintain open communication with downstream countries and offer cooperation on disaster prevention and relief efforts. This statement from China adds another layer to the ongoing geopolitical discussions surrounding the management of shared water resources. The construction of this mega-dam is a reflection of China’s ambitious infrastructure plans and its commitment to renewable energy, yet it also underscores the complex interplay of regional politics, environmental concerns, and national interests. As India and Bangladesh continue to monitor the progress of the project, the broader implications for regional stability and climate resilience will remain a focal point in international diplomatic dialogues. The issue highlights the growing importance of cross-border water management in the face of climate change and the need for collaborative solutions to safeguard the interests of all stakeholders in the region.
