Tibet – India has expressed deep concern over China’s plan to build the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet. Officials fear the project could cut water flow on the Brahmaputra River by up to 85% during the dry season. This river, which originates in Tibet and flows into India as the Siang, is critical for millions of people in India and Bangladesh. Delhi has warned that the Chinese project could become a strategic tool, heightening the risk of a water war in the region.
India’s Response and Local Resistance
To counter the impact, India is accelerating plans for its own mega dam in Arunachal Pradesh, called the Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Dam. The dam aims to store 14 billion cubic meters of water, ensuring release during dry months. Officials argue the project will secure water supply and protect against sudden water surges from China. However, local communities strongly oppose the construction. Members of the Adi tribe have protested, fearing their villages and farmlands will be submerged. At least 16 villages and nearly 10,000 people face direct displacement, while more than 100,000 may be indirectly affected.
China Denies Negative Impact
China maintains that its hydropower projects are safe and environmentally sound. A spokesperson for Beijing said the projects will not harm downstream countries, adding that China has kept communication channels open with India and Bangladesh. Despite these assurances, New Delhi remains cautious. Indian officials recently raised the issue with their Chinese counterparts, highlighting risks to regional security.
Experts warn that building massive dams in seismically active regions such as Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh could trigger landslides, floods, and other disasters. They call for urgent dialogue between both nations to avoid escalation and prevent the feared water war in Asia.
