India voices concern over China’s mega dam project on Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet

The Indian government has expressed serious concern over China’s reported construction of a massive hydropower dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, the upper course of the Brahmaputra, warning of potential risks to South Asia’s water security, ecology and livelihoods.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said it is “carefully monitoring” the project, which was first announced in 1986 and has long been viewed in New Delhi as a strategic and environmental threat. Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told Parliament that India has repeatedly conveyed its concerns to Beijing, urging transparency and consultations with downstream nations.

This project, first made public in 1986, has been a subject of concern for India due to its potential impact on the country’s interests and the livelihoods of local tribes.

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Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, said that the government carefully monitors all developments related to the Brahmaputra River and takes necessary measures to protect its interests. The government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, emphasising the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries.

”The Government of India has taken note of reports about the commencement of construction of the mega dam project by China on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) River in Tibet. This project was first made public as far back as 1986 and since then, preparations have been underway in China,” the MEA stated in response to an unstarred question in the Rajya Sabha.

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The MEA said that the government remained committed to safeguarding Indian interests in the region. ”Government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects, and takes necessary measures to protect our interests, including preventive and corrective measures to safeguard life and livelihood of Indian citizens residing in downstream areas,” the statement said.

The Yarlung Tsangpo originates in Tibet’s Jiema Yangzong Glacier near Mount Kailash, flows into Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, becomes the Brahmaputra in Assam, and eventually merges with the Ganges in Bangladesh before reaching the Bay of Bengal. Any disruptions upstream could directly affect ecosystems, agriculture, and livelihoods across the entire region, Phayul reported.

The project is situated in a seismically active and ecologically fragile part of the Himalayas. Environmentalists, quoted by Phayul, have warned that such large-scale infrastructure in this region could have devastating consequences, including disrupted river flows, loss of biodiversity, and increased flood risks.

India and China have discussed such issues under the Expert Level Mechanism set up in 2006, as well as through ongoing diplomatic engagement. Singh highlighted that India has urged China to ensure transparency and to engage in meaningful consultations with downstream nations before moving ahead with any hydropower developments, Phayul noted.

India has also pressed for the resumption of hydrological data sharing, which China has suspended during crucial monsoon periods in the past. The issue was brought up again during External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to China from July 14-16 for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, according to Phayul.

While China has promoted the dam as part of its renewable energy strategy, India remains wary that the project could allow Beijing to exert control over water flows in South Asia, a strategic tool with far-reaching consequences, Phayul reported.