China is building a huge project on the Brahmaputra river which is very important to India. India is expressing concern over the construction of a mega dam just 50 km away from the border. China has accelerated the construction of a dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) River in Tiben. India fears that the project may affect the environment, water resources and strategic security. The Yarlung Tsangpo originates in Tibet, enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siyanga River and then flows as the Brahmaputra in Assam. It is the livelihood of several crores of people in Assam as well as in the country. This project, which is now being undertaken by Dragon Country, is likely to benefit India.
The huge dam being built by China is likely to change the natural flow of the river. China has no chance of using the river flow as a weapon against India when it wants. Experts are of the opinion that it may create flood or drought conditions in the low lying areas. If China gains control over the flow of the river, there are chances that India will be harmed by this water if ever tensions arise between the two countries.
However, China is taking India’s objections lightly. It says that this dam is only for power generation and there will be no damage to the downstream countries including India. Union Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh had previously said in the Parliament that the government is closely monitoring this project and the proposal of this project came to light in 1986 itself. It has been revealed that necessary measures are being taken to ensure that there is no damage to the livelihood and security of the Indians living in the lower areas. India has raised this issue with China several times. Discussions on the issues of transboundary rivers are ongoing through an expert committee set up in 2006.
