China Begins Construction of World’s Largest Dam Over Brahmaputra River Near India
China has officially started the construction of a massive hydropower dam over the Brahmaputra river near the border of Arunachal Pradesh, PTI reported, citing Chinese state media. The dam, regarded as the world’s largest hydropower project, has raised concerns for downstream countries like India and Bangladesh. The project is estimated to be worth around $167.8 billion (₹14.46 lakh crore).
The dam, named the Zangmu Dam, is located in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and is expected to generate 12.13 gigawatts of electricity, making it the largest hydropower project in the world. The dam is part of China’s ambitious plan to harness the energy potential of the Brahmaputra river, which flows through China, India, and Bangladesh before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The construction of the dam has been met with concerns from both India and Bangladesh, which rely heavily on the Brahmaputra river for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power. The dam’s impact on the river’s flow and sedimentation could have significant consequences for the ecosystems and agriculture of the downstream countries.
India, in particular, has been vocal about its concerns over the dam, with the Ministry of External Affairs stating that “India has conveyed its concerns to China on the proposed dam on the Brahmaputra river.” The Indian government has also emphasized the need for cooperation and transparency in the development of the project, particularly regarding the environmental and social impact assessments.
Bangladesh has also expressed concerns over the dam, with the country’s Minister of Water Resources, Anisul Islam Mahmud, stating that “we are monitoring the situation and will take necessary measures if the dam affects our water resources.” The Bangladesh government has also requested China to provide information on the dam’s design, construction, and operation to ensure that it does not harm the country’s interests.
The Zangmu Dam is not the only hydropower project planned by China on the Brahmaputra river. The country has also announced plans to build several other dams on the river, including the 5.5 gigawatt Jitetang Dam and the 4.8 gigawatt Jiacha Dam. The construction of these dams has raised concerns about the cumulative impact on the river’s flow and sedimentation, as well as the potential for downstream countries to lose control over their water resources.
The construction of the Zangmu Dam is part of China’s broader strategy to develop its hydropower resources and reduce its dependence on fossil fuels. The country has set a target to generate 20% of its electricity from hydropower by 2030, and the Brahmaputra river is seen as a key source of energy for China’s economic growth.
Despite the concerns raised by India and Bangladesh, the Chinese government has emphasized that the Zangmu Dam is designed to be safe and environmentally friendly. The dam is expected to be completed by 2028 and is expected to reduce China’s carbon emissions by 20 million tons annually.
The construction of the Zangmu Dam is also seen as a major economic boost for the Tibet Autonomous Region, which is one of China’s poorest regions. The dam is expected to create thousands of jobs and generate significant revenue for the local economy.
In conclusion, the construction of the Zangmu Dam on the Brahmaputra river is a significant development that has raised concerns for downstream countries like India and Bangladesh. While the dam is expected to generate significant electricity and reduce China’s carbon emissions, its impact on the river’s flow and sedimentation could have significant consequences for the ecosystems and agriculture of the downstream countries. It is essential for China to engage in transparent and cooperative dialogue with downstream countries to address their concerns and ensure that the dam is developed in a responsible and sustainable manner.
