Hydro Project on the Yarlung Zangbo
China plans to build a massive hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet, which is called the Brahmaputra in Assam, Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Jamuna in Bangladesh.
The dam aligns with China’s energy goals to reduce reliance on coal and move towards renewable energy.
The Brahmaputra is a critical water source for millions in India and Bangladesh, making the project a significant concern for neighboring countries.
Legal and Diplomatic Concerns
The dam raises legal issues under international water law, particularly the UN Watercourses Convention, which emphasizes equitable water use, preventing harm, and cooperation.
India and China are not signatories to this Convention and lack strong domestic laws for managing transboundary rivers.
India, a lower riparian state, depends on Tibet-origin rivers for a third of its water supply and is concerned about China’s control over water flow, seeing it as a potential geopolitical tool.
Environmental and Seismic Risks
The dam is being built in a seismically active region, increasing the risk of earthquakes and potential catastrophic consequences.
The construction could disrupt river ecosystems, harm biodiversity, and lead to increased riverbank erosion.
Bangladesh, which is also affected by the Brahmaputra, has not voiced serious concerns, likely due to political shifts and its growing ties with China.
Regional Cooperation Challenges
The dam affects not only India and Bangladesh but also other South Asian countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
There is no active regional framework to address shared water resources and manage relations with China.
India and China’s political dynamics heavily influence water-related decisions, and recent diplomatic talks offer hope for renewing agreements and improving cooperation through information-sharing.
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