The construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, known as the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet, is a significant aspect of China's ambitious infrastructure plans. This project, part of China's 14th Five-Year Plan, is set to generate immense hydropower, positioning it as one of the most substantial infrastructure initiatives globally.
The dam has raised alarms in both India and Bangladesh due to the potential control China may exert over water flow to these downstream regions. With the dam's operation, there is a risk of exacerbating flooding, disrupting water supplies, and providing China with strategic leverage in regional disputes.
China has made significant progress in its hydropower projects, having operationalized the $1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet, back in 2015. However, the new dam is expected to greatly surpass existing projects in both scale and capacity, marking a new era in hydroelectric power generation in the region.
In response to the potential threats posed by this dam, India has been proactive in constructing its own dam along the Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh. Furthermore, India and China have established an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) since 2006, aimed at facilitating the exchange of hydrological data during flood seasons, thereby promoting cooperation and minimizing disputes.
The dam is situated on a tectonic plate boundary that is highly susceptible to earthquakes, presenting considerable engineering and safety challenges. Despite these concerns, China has emphasized that ecological and seismic protection measures will be prioritized in the project's design and construction.
Water-sharing has been a critical topic in discussions between Indian and Chinese officials. The dialogue aims to enhance cooperation over trans-border rivers and prevent potential conflicts related to water resources, ensuring that both nations can manage their water needs effectively.
Kutos : AI Assistant!
