TDP News Desk
Guwahati, Apr 8: Arunachal East Lok Sabha MP Tapir Gao has warned that China's construction of a proposed 60,000 MW dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River could have far-reaching consequences for the state and the Northeast, affecting water security, ecology, and livelihoods.
Speaking at an international seminar organised by Asian Confluence here on Tuesday, Gao said the mega-dam project threatens to significantly alter the flow of the Brahmaputra—known as the Siang in Arunachal Pradesh—potentially leading to water scarcity, environmental degradation, and humanitarian challenges downstream.
Recalling the 2000 incident when a sudden release of water from China caused flash floods in the Siang River, Gao described the new project as a possible "water bomb" and urged that it not be viewed merely as a hydroelectric development.
Gao said reports indicate that construction has commenced on a 9.5-kilometre-long dam as part of China’s broader water diversion strategy to channel water from Tibet to the Yellow River. He noted that the project’s location in a highly seismic and ecologically fragile area increases the risk of environmental instability across downstream regions.
"China has no water-sharing treaty with India, which leaves Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast vulnerable to unilateral activities upstream," Gao said. He warned that irregularities in the Brahmaputra’s flow could result in severe impacts, including threats to aquatic life, agriculture, and traditional livelihoods across Siang, Lohit, and Dibang river basins.
Calling for diplomatic intervention, Gao urged the Centre to highlight the issue at international forums. He expressed confidence in ongoing diplomatic efforts but cautioned that a lack of formal water-sharing agreements with China could pose long-term risks.
He also emphasised the need to build a dam on the Siang River within Indian territory to safeguard against future water-related disasters. Public consultations on the project are currently underway in Arunachal Pradesh, he added.
At the seminar, experts warned that the Chinese dam could disrupt the Brahmaputra’s natural flow, increasing the risk of floods, droughts, and seismic events in the region. They noted that the Brahmaputra, largely fed by glacial and snowmelt, carries significant discharge and any upstream alterations could exacerbate the vulnerability of downstream communities.
Researchers also pointed out that the $137 billion project, located near the Namcha Barwa seismic zone, would involve drilling more than 400 km of tunnels, raising concerns over landslides, habitat loss, and displacement of communities.
While China maintains the project is part of its clean energy goals aimed at achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2060, environmental groups and regional leaders have expressed skepticism, citing a lack of transparency and previous instances of unannounced water releases.
The proposed dam’s proximity to Arunachal Pradesh raises concerns over its potential to impact the state's ecological balance, traditional economies, and water security.
Author and Tibetologist Claude Arpi said China’s objectives behind the dam project in Medog county extended beyond power generation, with plans reportedly in place to divert the river’s water to the Yellow River through a network of tunnels.
Bertil Lintner, an expert on Asian politics and history, said China’s advances into the Tibetan plateau in the late 1950s were closely linked to the control of major rivers originating in the region, often referred to as the "Roof of the World." He noted that China has already constructed 11 mega dams on the Mekong River, which serves as a vital water source for five other countries, underlining the need for India to negotiate a water-sharing agreement with China.
Brahmaputra Board chairman Dr Ranbir Singh, highlighted the strategic importance of the Brahmaputra basin, stating it remains the only water-surplus river basin in India, while the rest of the country faces water deficits.
“With this dam in China, are we looking at a water-deficient Brahmaputra River basin?” Singh said, raising concerns about the long-term implications for India’s water security.
He called for a multi-pronged strategy to address the emerging challenges, including stepping up diplomatic engagement, building international consensus, and fostering regional collaborations.
As part of efforts to share best practices, Singh engaged in a dialogue with Dr Truong Hong Tien, Deputy Director General of the Vietnam National Mekong Committee, focusing on lessons from water management practices in the Mekong region.
Experts from Nepal and Bhutan also made presentations, discussing regional cooperation frameworks and the potential impacts of upstream water infrastructure projects on South Asia’s river systems.
