China’s approval of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangbo River in Tibet has ignited widespread alarm in India and Bangladesh. The project has raised critical concerns over national security, ecological balance, and the livelihoods of millions of people dependent on the river. The proposed dam could potentially alter the natural flow of the Yarlung Tsangbo, which flows through Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang River and eventually becomes the Brahmaputra River in Assam before merging with the Jamuna River in Bangladesh.
The Chinese Mega Dam and Regional Concerns
The Yarlung Tsangbo project is designed to produce unparalleled levels of electricity, but its construction in a seismically active zone poses severe risks. Environmental experts warn that the project could disrupt natural river flows, trigger flash floods, create water scarcity downstream, and devastate fragile ecosystems. With the river feeding millions in India and Bangladesh, its alteration could cause cascading consequences for agriculture, fishing, and drinking water availability.
The Indian government has expressed concerns about China’s growing hydroelectric capabilities, viewing the project as a geopolitical challenge. Randhir Jaiswal, the spokesperson for India’s External Affairs Ministry, emphasized India’s position as a lower riparian state with established water usage rights. “We have consistently expressed our views and concerns to China about large-scale river projects in their territory,” Jaiswal stated, underscoring the need for vigilance.
Arunachal Pradesh’s Proposal: The Siang Dam
In a countermeasure to the Chinese mega-dam, Arunachal Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister, Chowna Mein, has proposed constructing the Siang Upper Multi-purpose Project (SUMP) on the Siang River. With a capacity of 11,000 MW, the dam is intended to bolster India’s national security and address potential threats posed by China’s project. “The Siang dam will counter the Chinese mega-dam on Yarlung Tsangbo,” Mein stated during an interview, emphasizing its strategic importance.
Despite its proposed benefits, the Siang Dam has met stiff resistance from locals and environmental groups. The Siang Indigenous Farmers’ Forum (SIFF) has demanded comprehensive feasibility studies before proceeding with the 12,500 MW project. Concerns revolve around potential displacement, loss of biodiversity, and risks of ecological destabilization. Over 350 individuals and civil society organizations have appealed to President Droupadi Murmu to withdraw paramilitary forces deployed for surveys in Arunachal Pradesh, labeling the project as coercive and dismissive of local interests.
Balancing National Security and Sustainability
Both the Chinese and Indian dam projects highlight a recurring dilemma: how to balance developmental ambitions with ecological preservation and the rights of local communities. The Indian government has assured transparency in its approach, emphasizing the need for pre-visibility studies and Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) before the Siang Dam is sanctioned.
However, critics argue that India’s push for the Siang Dam could mimic China’s aggressive stance, sidelining environmental concerns and local livelihoods. The deployment of paramilitary forces to facilitate surveys has particularly drawn backlash, with many accusing the government of resorting to authoritarian tactics to implement its agenda.
The Way Forward
As the debate over these mega-dams escalates, it is imperative for both India and China to adopt a cautious and collaborative approach. The ecological health of the Yarlung Tsangbo-Siang-Brahmaputra river system is not only critical for the millions who depend on it but also for maintaining regional stability.
International experts have called for a multilateral dialogue involving India, China, and Bangladesh to address the shared challenges posed by these projects. Transparent environmental impact assessments, meaningful consultation with local communities, and adherence to international water-sharing norms will be crucial in ensuring that developmental projects do not come at the cost of human and ecological welfare.
Conclusion
The construction of the Siang Dam and the Chinese mega-dam on the Yarlung Tsangbo represents a complex intersection of national security, ecological sustainability, and human livelihoods. Both projects carry profound implications for the region, demanding a balanced and inclusive approach. As the governments of India and China proceed with their respective projects, they must prioritize collaboration, transparency, and the welfare of the millions who depend on these rivers.
The stakes are immense, with the fate of the Siang River, the Brahmaputra, and millions of lives hanging in the balance. Ensuring sustainable solutions that address security concerns without compromising the environment or local communities is the need of the hour.
