China’s $137 Billion Hydropower Dam Impacts on India and the Environment (GS Paper 2, IR)
Why in News?
- China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (known as the Brahmaputra in India), located on the Tibetan Plateau.
- The ambitious project, costing $137 billion, is set to generate 300 billion kWh of electricity annually, more than tripling the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam, currently the world’s largest hydropower facility.
- This project aligns with China’s renewable energy goals, aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060 while boosting regional development in Tibet.
Course of the River Brahmaputra
- The Brahmaputra, originating in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in India, before crossing into Bangladesh and emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
- As a perennial river, it sustains communities in India and Bangladesh through irrigation, fisheries, and inland transport, while enriching agriculture with fertile alluvial soil.
- The lower course of the Brahmaputra is also prone to recurring floods, particularly in Assam and Bangladesh, exacerbated by both climatic and geographical factors.
China’s Brahmaputra Dam Project
- The dam will be constructed in Medog County, Tibet Autonomous Region, where the Yarlung Tsangpo descends 2,000 meters, creating ideal conditions for hydropower generation.
- The $137 billion project is part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan (2021–2025) and aims to generate 60 gigawatts of power, significantly exceeding the Three Gorges Dam's capacity.
- The project will produce 300 billion kWh of clean electricity annually, supporting China’s carbon-neutrality target and bolstering water security in Tibet.
Concerns and Implications of China’s Dam Project on India
- Agriculture:
- The dam could significantly reduce the flow of silt downstream, which is essential for replenishing the fertility of agricultural lands in India, particularly in Assam.
- Water Resources:
- While China claims that the dam will be a run-of-the-river hydropower project, experts are concerned that it may reduce the water flow downstream during the dry season and exacerbate flooding during the monsoon by releasing excess water, potentially leading to disasters in Assam.
- Potential Use of Water as a Weapon:
- China's upstream position over the Brahmaputra gives it control over the river's flow. In past geopolitical tensions, such as the 2017 Doklam standoff, China withheld hydrological data, crucial for flood forecasting, raising concerns about the weaponization of water resources during periods of tension.
- Seismological Threats:
- The construction of large-scale infrastructure projects like the dam in a seismically active region increases risks, particularly in downstream areas vulnerable to earthquakes and tsunamis.
- Ecological Impact:
- The dam could disrupt the delicate Himalayan ecosystem, which is home to critically endangered species. The combined effects of climate change, deforestation, and soil erosion could amplify the ecological consequences.
India’s Response
- Safeguarding Downstream Interests:
- India has urged China to ensure the protection of downstream interests, particularly regarding the availability of water and silt for agriculture in Assam and the broader region.
- Hydropower Projects in Arunachal Pradesh:
- India is planning a 10 GW hydropower project in the Dibang Valley, Arunachal Pradesh, to counterbalance the impacts of China’s dam project on the Brahmaputra.
- Data Sharing Mechanism:
- India and China have an established Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) for data sharing on trans-border rivers since 2006, which remains essential for flood forecasting and managing the river’s water resources in a cooperative manner.
Conclusion
- China's massive hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra poses significant challenges for India, particularly in terms of water resources, agriculture, and environmental sustainability.
- While the project aligns with China’s clean energy goals, it raises critical concerns regarding the potential manipulation of water flow and ecological disruptions.
- India’s response through regional hydropower initiatives and continued dialogue on water-sharing mechanisms will be crucial in mitigating these impacts and ensuring sustainable management of the Brahmaputra's resources.
