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China’s Dam on Yarlung Zangbo and its Implications for India
Introduction:
China is constructing a mega hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River, known as the Brahmaputra River in India. The project is planned in the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) near the Great Bend of the river, close to the Indian border. This development has raised geopolitical, environmental, and economic concerns for India and downstream countries like Bangladesh.
Strategic and Geopolitical Concerns for India
- Water Security: Potential to control water flow, affecting India’s northeastern states.
- China’s Leverage: Possible use of the dam as a political tool in border tensions.
- Lack of a Water Treaty: Unlike the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan, India and China lack a legally binding transboundary water-sharing agreement.
- Influence in South Asia: China’s increasing hydro-hegemonic control over transboundary rivers may impact India’s regional influence.
Environmental and Ecological Risks
- Seismic Vulnerability: The Himalayan region is highly earthquake-prone, making large-scale dams risky.
- Disruption of River Ecology: Changes in natural flow can impact aquatic biodiversity and wetland ecosystems.
- Impact on Agriculture and Livelihoods: Reduced water availability could affect agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
- Flood and Siltation Risks: Sudden water releases may lead to flash floods, while reduced silt deposits could degrade soil fertility.
Legal and Diplomatic Dimensions
- International River Disputes: Lack of a global enforcement mechanism for upstream-downstream water disputes.
- Existing Mechanisms: India and China have a Hydrological Data Sharing Agreement, but it lacks enforcement power.
- India’s Diplomatic Options: Engaging with China through bilateral talks, leveraging regional platforms like BIMSTEC, and international forums such as the UN Water Convention.
India’s Policy Response and Strategic Measures
- Developing Counter-Dams: Enhancing India’s hydropower capacity in Arunachal Pradesh to counter China’s projects.
- Strengthening Water Diplomacy: Advocating for a formalized water-sharing framework through regional partnerships.
- Enhancing Water Storage and Management: Constructing reservoirs and water conservation projects to mitigate dependency.
- Technological Solutions: Investing in early warning systems for flood management and real-time hydrological monitoring.
Conclusion
- The Yarlung Zangbo dam project presents multi-dimensional challenges for India, spanning security, environment, and diplomacy.
- A combination of diplomatic engagement, strategic infrastructure development, and regional cooperation is required to safeguard India’s interests.
- Strengthening water governance and climate resilience policies will be crucial in addressing the long-term challenges posed by China’s upstream projects.
