China has officially begun construction of a massive hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River (known as the Brahmaputra in Bharat), raising significant concerns in Bharat and Bangladesh.
The Brahmaputra River, known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, originates in the Angsi Glacier near Mount Kailash. It flows eastward across Tibet, takes a dramatic U-turn at the Great Bend near Namcha Barwa, and enters Bharat through Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River, eventually becoming the Brahmaputra in Assam and the Jamuna in Bangladesh.
China’s Mega-Dam Projects
China has begun constructing a $167 billion mega-dam in Medog County, Tibet, near the Great Bend of the Yarlung Tsangpo. This project is expected to generate 60–70 GW of electricity, more than three times the output of the Three Gorges Dam.
The dam is part of a broader plan to build five hydropower stations in the region, exploiting the steep gradient and massive flow of the river before it enters Bharat.
Key Threats to Bharat
- Hydrological Manipulation – Although China claims these are run-of-the-river projects (which do not store large volumes of water), the scale and location of the dams raise concerns about:
(i) Sudden water release during monsoons, causing floods in Assam.
(ii) Water withholding during dry seasons, affecting agriculture and drinking water supply.
- Ecological and Environmental Impact – The Brahmaputra basin is one of the most biodiverse regions in Bharat.
(i) Altering the river’s flow could disrupt wetlands, fisheries, and forests in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
(ii) Sediment flow reduction could affect soil fertility in the floodplains. - Geopolitical Leverage
(i) Control over the upper reaches of the river gives China a strategic advantage.
(ii) In times of conflict or diplomatic tension, water could be used as a geopolitical tool or “water weapon” 3. - Seismic and Geological Risks
(i) The dam is being built in a seismically active and geologically unstable region.
(ii) A dam failure could lead to catastrophic flooding downstream.
Bharat’s Response and Strategic Options
- Diplomatic Engagement – Bharat has raised concerns through bilateral talks and multilateral forums, urging China to share hydrological data and ensure transparency.
- Domestic Infrastructure – Bharat is accelerating its own dam and reservoir projects in Arunachal Pradesh to counterbalance Chinese control and store water during lean seasons.
- International Pressure – Bharat is working with Bangladesh and other downstream countries to build a coalition that can pressure China through international water treaties and environmental diplomacy.
Why Bharat Still Holds Leverage
80% of the Brahmaputra’s water volume is generated within Bharat due to heavy rainfall and tributaries.
Most of China’s dams, including the Medog project, are run-of-the-river, limiting their ability to store or divert water long-term.
Strategic Measures
Bharat is enhancing its own dam infrastructure in Arunachal Pradesh.
Diplomatic channels like the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) are being used to seek transparency and data sharing
While China’s dam-building spree on the Brahmaputra is framed as a clean energy initiative, it poses serious strategic, environmental, and humanitarian risks to Bharat. The situation calls for vigilant monitoring, robust infrastructure development, and proactive diplomacy to safeguard Bharat’s water security and ecological balance.
While it raises valid concerns about water security and ecological balance, Bharat’s geographical advantage, rainfall patterns, and strategic preparedness provide a buffer against potential threats.
