Guwahati, Jan 1: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has raised alarm over China’s construction of a massive dam on the Brahmaputra River, cautioning against devastating ecological consequences.

Speaking to the media on New Year’s Day, Sarma highlighted the precarious future of the river, which is central to the livelihoods of millions in Assam and neighboring regions.

“This matter is already within our notice. The Government of India has communicated its concern to the Chinese side,” Sarma said, noting that the issue is expected to be a key topic in ongoing diplomatic discussions between India and China.

China has approved the construction of what is poised to be the world’s largest dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra). The dam is being built at a gorge in the Himalayas where the river makes a U-turn before flowing into Arunachal Pradesh. Beijing has defended the project, claiming it will not negatively impact downstream regions and that safety measures are in place following decades of research.

However, Sarma painted a grim picture of the possible fallout. “If the dam disrupts the flow, the Brahmaputra will rely solely on rainwater from Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh,” he warned. “If these regions don’t receive adequate rain, the river could dry up completely.”

The Chief Minister underscored the dire implications for the Brahmaputra’s fragile ecosystem, which supports millions of people. “This is a critical issue, and we’ve already voiced our concerns to the Government of India. I am aware that the Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh has also taken this up with the central government,” Sarma added.

Geopolitical and Environmental Implications

China’s dam-building on the Yarlung Tsangpo has long been a flashpoint in India-China relations. As the river flows into India and eventually Bangladesh, any disruption could impact agriculture, biodiversity, and livelihoods downstream.

Environmental experts and activists warn that such projects could exacerbate water shortages and ecological imbalances. For Assam, which already endures severe flood-and-erosion cycles, the potential alteration of water flow upstream presents a grave new challenge.

Diplomatic Efforts

Despite the looming threat, Sarma expressed optimism that India’s diplomatic channels could address the issue. “I am confident that this concern will be raised during the ongoing dialogue process with China,” he stated.

Read: Kaziranga National Park records landmark achievements in 2024

WATCH:

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub