India reacts to China's Mega Dam plans on the Brahmaputra, point up regional stability concerns

World News: Last week, China announced its intention to construct the world's largest dam in Tibet, surpassing even the Three Gorges Dam. This monumental project, according to NASA, has already contributed to a slowdown in the Earth's rotation by 0.06 seconds. Unlike the Three Gorges Dam located in central China, this new dam will be situated in a sensitive ecological zone within the Himalayas, close to the Indian border.

Environmental and Geological Concerns

The proposed dam raises significant environmental concerns due to its location in a geologically fragile area prone to earthquakes. The Himalayan region is known for its seismic activity, which poses risks not only during construction but also for the dam's long-term stability. New Delhi has expressed apprehensions regarding the potential ecological impact and geological instability associated with this massive undertaking on the Brahmaputra River, referred to as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.

In response to Beijing's announcement, India reaffirmed its commitment to "protect its interests." The Indian government emphasized its rights to the river's waters and called for transparency from China regarding its plans. "We will continue to monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests," stated Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs.

Potential Impact on Millions

The dam's construction is expected to drastically alter the flow of the Brahmaputra River and its basin, potentially leading to severe droughts and catastrophic floods that could affect millions of people living downstream in India. The Ministry of External Affairs has urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not compromised by upstream activities.

Jaiswal noted that India has consistently communicated its concerns about such mega projects through both expert-level discussions and diplomatic channels. "As a lower riparian state with established user rights to the waters of the river, we have expressed our views and concerns," he added.

Geopolitical Tensions on the Rise

The hydroelectric project is not just an environmental issue; it also holds significant geopolitical implications. Experts warn that this initiative could escalate tensions between India and China, potentially leading to "water wars," a term highlighted by geopolitical strategist Genevieve Donnellon-May in 2022.

Project Overview

Once completed, this dam will be the largest hydropower project globally, situated on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau along the Brahmaputra River. As part of China's 14th five-year plan, it aims to generate 300 billion kWh of electricity annually at an estimated cost of $137 billion. This output will more than triple that of the Three Gorges Dam, which currently holds the title of the largest dam.

During the construction of previous large-scale projects like the Three Gorges Dam, over 1.4 million people were displaced. However, estimates regarding displacement for this new project remain unclear.The construction is set to significantly impact regional ecology and agriculture in both Tibet and India while altering river courses downstream.