China has started building a huge hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River called Brahmaputra in India near the Nyingchi region in Tibet, close to Arunachal Pradesh. It plans to build five dams to generate massive amounts of electricity more than the Three Gorges Dam.
India is worried about how this will affect its water supply, agriculture, and environment. Experts say China could block water during dry seasons or release too much water during floods, which can harm states like Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The dam may also reduce the natural flow of sediment, affecting fish, farming, and local ecosystems.
Another big worry is that China and India have no formal water-sharing agreement. India fears China might use control of the river during times of political tension. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma warned that sudden water releases could be dangerous for people living near the river.
China says the dam is for clean energy and won’t affect the water flow into India or Bangladesh. Chinese leaders claim they will share data and help manage floods.
India is closely watching the project and has discussed it with China through diplomatic talks. At the same time, India is planning its own major hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh called the Upper Siang Multipurpose Project. Some locals and environmental groups are against it due to safety and ecological risks.
Bangladesh, which is downstream, is also concerned. People there depend on the river for farming and fishing.
Experts warn that this region is earthquake-prone, and large dams could be risky. With no water treaty in place, India, China, and Bangladesh need to work together to avoid future problems over the Brahmaputra.
