Assam CM raises alarm over China's Brahmaputra dam, warns of ecological and security threats

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced serious concerns about China's proposed construction of a massive dam on the Brahmaputra River, highlighting its potential to devastate the river's ecosystem and severely impact water availability in North-east India.

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Talking to mediapersons on New Year's Day, Sarma emphasised the consequences of upstream infrastructure projects on transboundary rivers like the Brahmaputra, which serves as a lifeline for millions in the region.

"The Government of India is already aware of the matter and has communicated its concerns to China. I am confident this issue will be addressed in the ongoing India-China dialogue," Sarma stated.

He warned that the dam could destabilise the Brahmaputra's fragile ecosystem, making it heavily reliant on rainfall in Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.

"If sufficient rainfall does not occur in these regions, the Brahmaputra could dry up completely. This poses a significant problem for us, and we have raised these concerns with the Government of India," he stressed.