China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, which becomes the Brahmaputra River as it flows into India and Bangladesh. This $137 billion project, part of China’s 14th Five-Year Plan, aims to generate substantial electricity but has raised significant concerns in both neighboring countries.
Potential Impacts on India and Bangladesh
1. Water Flow Disruption: The dam’s construction could significantly alter the natural flow of the Brahmaputra River, affecting water availability during non-monsoon months. This disruption may lead to reduced agricultural yields and drinking water shortages in downstream regions of India and Bangladesh.
2. Geopolitical Tensions: The project’s proximity to the disputed Arunachal Pradesh region exacerbates existing tensions between India and China. Indian officials have expressed concerns that the dam could be used as a strategic tool to exert influence over downstream nations, potentially leading to “water wars.”
3. Environmental Risks: The dam’s location in a seismically active zone raises concerns about its safety and potential ecological impacts. Environmentalists warn that the project could lead to catastrophic flooding or displacement of communities in the event of structural failures.
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