Chinese dam in Tibet to create ecological imbalances in India, Bangladesh

The Communist regime of China in Beijing continues endeavoring hydro-electric activities on Yarlung Zangbo/Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river for decades to put the lower riparian countries (India and Bangladesh) in constant risk of ecological imbalances.

- NAVA THAKURIA

Now Beijing proceeds to build a colossal dam (termed as globally biggest) at Tsangpo's great bend in southeastern Shigatse region Tibet, which is seismically active and very close (hardly 22 kilometers) to Arunachal Pradesh.

The announcement of Chinese premier Li Qiang regarding the launch of the USD 167.8 billion five-stage project on 19 July 2025 was disseminated by the government-controlled Xinhua news agency recently.

The super hydropower dam is projected to generate over 300 billion kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity every year.

Originated in the Tibetan plateau, regarded as the roof of the world, Brahmaputra flows towards east and then enters Arunachal Pradesh and Assam following which it runs into Bangladesh, where it merges with Padma, and Meghna to finally culminate in the Bay of Bengal.

Inside Tibet, the river flows above 5,000 meters from the sea level.

Identified as the only male river in the Indian subcontinent, Brahmaputra (literally translates as the Son of Brahma) covers nearly 2,900 km, out of which 1600 km falls in Tibet, 900 km in India 400 km in Bangladesh.

India remains watchful over the development relating to Brahmaputra.

Even though India and China do not have any working water sharing treaty, New Delhi had already conveyed its concern a few months back insisting on transparency and regular consultations with downstream nations.

But Bangladesh is seemingly not concerned over the new hydropower project on Brahmaputra.