Concerns Raised Over China’s Mega Dam on Brahmaputra River
By Tibet Policy Institute and MP Tapir Gao
The Tibet Policy Institute and Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) Member of Parliament (MP) Tapir Gao from Arunachal Pradesh have expressed serious concerns about China’s upcoming mega hydropower project on the Brahmaputra River near the Indian border.
Environmental Impact
Dechen Palmo, a researcher at the Tibet Policy Institute of the Tibetan government in exile in Dharamshala, is conducting a study on the rivers of Tibet. She mentioned that the Chinese government has released a five-year plan for a huge dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River). Although the exact size and location are not specified, it is believed to be a 60-gigawatt hydropower dam in the Metok region, just before the river enters India.
Palmo highlighted that the region is seismically active, with significant earthquakes recorded in the past, including one with a magnitude of 8.4 in the 1950s. She warned that constructing such a large dam could impact the ecosystem of Tibet and downstream regions, including India and Bangladesh.
Political Concerns
Tapir Gao, MP from Arunachal Pradesh, described the project as a ‘water bomb’ and raised the issue in the Indian Parliament. He emphasized that the dam poses a threat not only to Arunachal Pradesh and India but also to Bangladesh. Gao mentioned that under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi, India is preparing to build a big dam in Arunachal Pradesh to counter any potential threats from China.
Doubts Revealed
China’s Mega Dam -: A mega dam is a very large dam built to store water and generate electricity. China’s mega dam on the Brahmaputra River is a huge project that could affect many countries.
Brahmaputra River -: The Brahmaputra River is a major river that flows through Tibet, India, and Bangladesh. It is very important for the people living in these areas.
Tibet Policy Institute -: The Tibet Policy Institute is a research organization that studies issues related to Tibet. They provide information and advice on policies affecting Tibet.
MP Tapir Gao -: MP Tapir Gao is a Member of Parliament (MP) in India. He represents the people of Arunachal Pradesh and speaks about their concerns in the Indian Parliament.
Dechen Palmo -: Dechen Palmo is a researcher who studies the environment and other issues related to Tibet. She provides important information about the impact of projects like the mega dam.
Hydropower project -: A hydropower project uses the energy of flowing water to generate electricity. The mega dam on the Brahmaputra River is an example of such a project.
Environmental impact -: Environmental impact refers to the effect that a project or action has on the natural world. The mega dam could change the river’s flow and affect the plants, animals, and people living nearby.
Water bomb -: When MP Tapir Gao calls the dam a ‘water bomb,’ he means it could be very dangerous. If the dam breaks or releases too much water, it could cause flooding and other problems.
Indian Parliament -: The Indian Parliament is the place where laws are made in India. MPs like Tapir Gao discuss important issues and make decisions for the country.
Arunachal Pradesh -: Arunachal Pradesh is a state in northeastern India. It is close to the Brahmaputra River and could be affected by the mega dam.
Assam -: Assam is another state in northeastern India. It is also near the Brahmaputra River and could face problems if the dam affects the river’s flow.
Bangladesh -: Bangladesh is a country to the south of India. The Brahmaputra River flows through Bangladesh, so changes to the river could affect the people living there.
