China has started the work of constructing the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Jangbo River (which is called Brahmaputra in India) in Tibet. The cost of this dam is around $ 170 billion (about 14 lakh crore rupees). There is a plan to complete it by 2030.
China claims that this dam is being built to reduce clean energy and carbon emissions, but India and Bangladesh are afraid that it may become a big threat to them. Come, let’s understand what this dam is. Why is this being made? Why is this a matter of concern for India-Bangladesh?
What is this mega dam project?
This dam of China is being built at the bottom of the Yarlung Jangbo River in the Ningchi area of Tibet, where the river takes a big U-turn on the Great Bend. Enters India’s Arunachal Pradesh. The special things of this dam are …
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- Vishal power generation: This dam will create 300 billion kW-hour power every year, which is equal to the annual power consumption of the entire Britain. This capacity is three times more than the world’s largest dam Three Gorges Dam.
- Five Casked Station: There will be five hydropower stations in the dam, which will take advantage of the slope with a height of 2,000 meters of the river.
- Cost: The cost of 1.2 trillion yuan (about $ 170 billion) makes it the world’s most expensive infrastructure project.
- Engineering Challenge: To build the dam, 4-6 tunnels will have to be built in the Namcha Barwa mountain, which will be bent half the water of the river.
Chinese Prime Minister Lee Kiang has described this project as a project of the century. It is said that it will overcome the lack of electricity in Tibet. Also, giving electricity to the northern and eastern parts of the country.
China claims: Clean Energy and Development
China says that this dam is part of the 14th Five Year Plan (2021-2025). It has many benefits …
- clean energy: This dam will help to meet the target of carbon neutrality by 2060. This will reduce dependence on coal. Will promote other clean energy sources such as solar-hwa.
- Economic Development: In Tibet, infrastructure, jobs and business will increase. Every year Tibet will have 20 billion yuan ($ 3 billion) from the dam.
- National Security: China says that this dam will increase the security of water and energy. Will strengthen cooperation with South Asia.
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China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Mao Ning said that this dam will not cause any harm to India and Bangladesh. He claimed that China has studied it for decades. All steps have been taken for environment and security.
Concerns of India and Bangladesh
But India and Bangladesh are worried about this dam. Because the Brahmaputra river is a lifeline for both countries. This river flows in Bangladesh via Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. It is found in the Bay of Bengal. There can be many danger from this dam …
Lack of water: If China stops water in the dam, especially in non-monsoon months, then there may be a shortage of water in Arunachal and Assam. 55% irrigation in Bangladesh depends on the Brahmaputra. If the river flow is 5% low, 15% agricultural production in Bangladesh may decrease.
Flood risk: If China releases water from the dam at the time of tension, then there may be terrible floods in Arunachal and Assam. Arunachal Chief Minister Pema Khandu called it a “water bomb”, which can stop or release 80% of the river water.
Ecological disadvantage: The silt of Brahmaputra makes the fields of Assam and Bangladesh fertile. The dam can prevent this silt, causing damage to farming and fisheries. Bangladesh’s beautiful mangrove forest, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, may also be in danger.
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Earthquake risk: The dam is being formed in the earthquake-sensitive area of the Himalayas. If the dam breaks due to earthquake or landslide, then there can be havoc in India and Bangladesh.
Geopolitical Danger: India fears that China may use this dam to make water a weapon, especially at the time of stress on LAC. In the 2017 Doklam dispute, China stopped sharing the data of Brahmaputra.
China’s strategy: just electricity or anything else?
China is describing this dam as a clean energy project, but many experts consider it a geopolitical move. The Yarlung Jangbo River originates from Tibet. There is a lifeline for India-Bangladesh. With this dam, China will get complete control over the flow of the river. According to a 2020 report by the Lovi Institute of Australia, control over the rivers of Tibet gives China the strength to put pressure on India’s economy.
China has already built small dams on Yarlung Jangbo, such as Jam Hydropower Station (Started in 2015). But this new dam is more dangerous because of its vastness and passing the border of India.
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India’s answer: Siang Dam and Diplomacy
India has realized this danger and has started retaliation …
Siang Dam: India is creating a 10 GW Siang Hydropower Project in Arunachal Pradesh. Its purpose is to reduce the effect of China’s dam and ensure water safety. But this project is facing local opposition and environmental challenges.
Diplomacy: India has demanded transparency and data sharing from China through expert level mechanism (ELM). In January 2025, India said that it will protect its interests.
Regional Cooperation: India and Bangladesh together can put pressure on China. Bangladesh has also sought technical information about the effect of the dam. Experts suggest that there may be a tripartite agreement under the UN Water Convention 1997.
Ecological and social influence
Displacement in Tibet: China did not say how many people will be displaced from the dam. The Three Gorges Dam displaced 1 million people, and the effect of this dam could also be large.
Ecology: The Tibetan plateau is one of the most diverse areas in the world. The natural flow of the river can stop from the dam, due to which fish and vegetation can be endangered.
Bangladesh: Brahmaputra fulfills 65% water requirement of Bangladesh. Lack of water can increase farming, fisheries, and salt infiltration in coastal areas.
China’s economic move
There are signs of recession in China’s economy. This dam is being seen as an economic booster. China Yajiang Group is leading this project. The project will increase the demand for cement, tunnel equipment and explosive material, which led to a jump in the Chinese stock market. The CSI Construction Index reached a 7 -month high.
But the question is whether it is only for economic development, or China wants to strengthen its hold in South Asia? Being near LAC instead of dams and not sharing China’s data is a cause of concern for India.
What next?
This dam will start in the 2030s, but its effects have started appearing from now. India and Bangladesh should …
- Demand transparency: China should share the technical and environmental information of the dam.
- Regional alliance: India, Bangladesh and Bhutan can jointly compromise water sharing.
- Satellite Monitoring: India can use advanced technology to track the flow of river.
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