India has expressed serious concerns to China regarding its plans to construct a mega-dam on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra. This project, estimated to cost $167 billion, has prompted fears that China could significantly reduce water flows to India, with some analyses suggesting a reduction of up to 85% during the dry season. India has emphasized the need for transparency and consultation to ensure the interests of downstream states like India and Bangladesh are not harmed.
The planned Chinese dam, also known as the Motuo Hydropower Station, is projected to be the world's largest, potentially generating three times more energy than the Three Gorges Dam. While Beijing states the project will prioritize ecological protection and boost local prosperity, India fears it could allow China to divert up to 40 billion cubic meters of water, impacting agriculture and industry in key regions. The ground-breaking for this project reportedly occurred in July.
In response to these concerns, India is fast-tracking its own plans to build a hydropower dam on the Siang river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. This Indian project, with a projected 14 BCM of storage capacity, aims to act as a buffer against potential sudden water releases or diversions from China's dam, mitigating flood risks and ensuring water availability during dry periods. Without this Indian dam, cities like Guwahati could see an 11% reduction in water supply.
