The Brahmaputra dam project has sparked concerns among Indian lawmakers, with BJP MP Dilip Saikia warning that it could put Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in danger. The project, approved by China, involves constructing the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, also known as the Brahmaputra.¹
Saikia’s concerns echo those of Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who has expressed worries about China’s control over the river’s flow and potential disruptions to downstream agriculture and ecosystems.² The dam’s construction could also lead to flooding, soil erosion, and loss of biodiversity in the region.
Key Concerns:
- Water Security: China’s control over the Brahmaputra’s flow could impact India’s water security, particularly during periods of low flow or drought.
- Agricultural Disruption: The dam could retain fertile silt, disrupting agriculture in downstream regions.
- Ecological Impact: The project could harm the region’s fragile ecosystem, including critically endangered species.
- Flooding Risks: Excess water release from the dam could cause severe flooding in Assam and other downstream areas.
India has urged China to safeguard downstream interests and share hydrological data to mitigate potential risks. The Indian government is also exploring counter-measures, including building its own dam on the Brahmaputra River in Arunachal Pradesh.³
