China has commenced construction of an enormous hydroelectric dam project on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, known locally as the Yarlung Tsangpo River. This project is poised to become the world’s largest hydropower dam, with a generating capacity of approximately 60,000 megawatts—three times the power capacity of China’s Three Gorges Dam. The dam represents a critical component of China’s strategy for clean energy, economic growth in Tibet, and achieving carbon neutrality targets. However, the project has triggered widespread concern downstream, particularly in India and Bangladesh, over its environmental, ecological, and geopolitical implications.
Key Features of the Dam Project
- Location: The dam is being constructed in Medog County, Tibet, at a geographically significant bend called the “Great Bend,” where the river plunges dramatically through the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon.
- Scale: Expected to produce around 60,000 MW of hydropower, the project involves five hydropower stations and represents a massive investment of approximately 1.2 trillion yuan ($167.1 billion).
- Design: Instead of a single tall dam, the project utilizes the natural steep geography, channeling water through tunnels to generate power before releasing it back into the river near the border with India.
- Purpose: Primarily to supply electricity to other Chinese regions while also addressing power needs in Tibet, contributing to China’s broader climate and economic goals.
Environmental and Ecological Concerns
The dam’s construction and operation have raised serious ecological alarms due to:
- Altered River Flow: Changing the natural seasonal flow could worsen water scarcity during dry periods and intensify flooding during monsoons, directly affecting millions dependent on the Brahmaputra downstream.
- Sediment Disruption: The river currently carries a substantial volume of sediment that nourishes fertile plains in India and Bangladesh. The dam could reduce sediment flow, accelerating coastal erosion and impacting agriculture and biodiversity in the Brahmaputra delta.
- Impact on Wildlife: The Brahmaputra sustains rich biodiversity, including endangered species and protected areas like Kaziranga National Park in India. Modified water regimes could disrupt fish migration and natural habitats.
- Seismic Risks: The dam site lies near one of the most seismically active regions in the world, posing risks of structural damage to the dam and downstream disaster in case of an earthquake
Geopolitical and Security Implications
- Water Security: India and Bangladesh have expressed concerns that China’s ability to control the Brahmaputra’s flow could be used as leverage in geopolitical disputes, creating potential “water security” threats.
- Diplomatic Tensions: India has raised the issue with China multiple times, urging transparency, data sharing, and protection of downstream interests. However, China has maintained limited cooperation on water-sharing agreements.
- Regional Stability: The dam sits near contested border areas, notably Arunachal Pradesh, which is claimed by both China and India. The dam’s presence adds strategic complexity amid existing border tensions.
- India’s Countermeasures: India has planned its own hydropower infrastructure on the Brahmaputra, including the proposed Siang dam in Arunachal Pradesh, to secure its water resources and mitigate risks posed by China’s project
Economic and Social Impact
- The dam is expected to generate about 300 billion kWh of renewable energy annually and significantly contribute to Tibet’s economic development.
- However, fears of displacement for local communities in Tibet and environmental degradation have been highlighted by human rights groups.
- The downstream risks for Indian and Bangladeshi farmers, fishers, and millions of residents dependent on the Brahmaputra’s water have raised humanitarian and economic concerns
China’s mega-dam on the Brahmaputra is a colossal hydroelectric project aiming to boost clean energy and economic growth in Tibet. While it promises significant renewable energy production, the dam poses serious environmental, ecological, and geopolitical risks for millions downstream in India and Bangladesh. Key concerns involve altered river flow, disruption of sediment supply, seismic vulnerabilities, and the potential for heightened regional tensions given the dam’s strategic location. With India actively monitoring and planning countermeasures, the project underscores the growing geopolitical and environmental complexities tied to transboundary water resources in South Asia.