China has recently approved the construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, located in Tibet near the Indian border. This ambitious project, estimated to cost around $137 billion, has raised significant concerns in India and Bangladesh.
Key Details:
- Location: The dam will be built at a significant gorge in the Himalayan reaches where the Brahmaputra River makes a U-turn before flowing into Arunachal Pradesh and subsequently into Bangladesh.
- Scale: The project is expected to exceed one trillion yuan ($137 billion), surpassing even China’s Three Gorges Dam, currently the world’s largest.
- Purpose: The primary aim is to develop clean energy and respond to climate change and extreme hydrological disasters. The hydropower facility is estimated to generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, enough to supply energy to approximately 300 million people for a year.
- Concerns: India and Bangladesh have expressed apprehensions about potential impacts on water flow and regional stability. There are fears that China could control the water flow and release large amounts of water during conflicts.
- Safety Measures: China has assured that extensive geological studies and advanced technology have been employed to ensure the project’s safety and minimize ecological impact. The dam will also incorporate measures for disaster prevention and relief.
International Reactions:
- India’s Response: India has raised concerns about the potential impact on water flow and the ability of China to control water during hostilities. India is also constructing its own dam on the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.
- China’s Assurance: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning has stated that the project will not negatively affect the lower reaches and that China will continue to maintain communication with countries at the lower reaches through existing channels.
