Guwahati, July 21: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has downplayed immediate concerns over China’s dam-building efforts on the Brahmaputra River, asserting that around 65–70% of its water originates within India, chiefly from monsoon rainfall in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
China has begun constructing the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo—known as the Brahmaputra in India—just a few kilometres upstream of the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh. Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the start of the construction of the dam on Saturday at a groundbreaking ceremony in the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra River, locally known as Yarlung Zangbo, at Nyingchi City.
The hydropower project, regarded as the world’s largest infrastructure project, has raised concerns in the lower riparian countries, India and Bangladesh.
The project will consist of five cascade hydropower stations, with a total investment estimated at around 1.2 trillion Yuan (about USD 167.8 billion), the report said. The dam is to be built at a huge gorge in the Himalayan reaches, where the Brahmaputra River makes a significant U-turn to flow into Arunachal Pradesh and then into Bangladesh.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “The Brahmaputra receives the bulk of its water from Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and rainfall in Assam itself. Scientifically, the river is largely fed by indigenous sources.”
While conceding that disruptions upstream could pose ecological risks, Sarma offered a contrasting view: that a reduction in flow could actually ease Assam’s chronic flooding. He acknowledged both positional concerns, saying, “There are two views — one is that biodiversity might be affected. The other says that less water could actually help in flood control. I don’t know which one is correct.” Ultimately, he deferred to the Government of India to assess the scientific implications.
Sarma expressed confidence that New Delhi is already—or will soon be—engaging China on the dam issue. “Immediately, I am not worried. The Brahmaputra is a mighty river and not dependent on a single source,” he added.
Also Read: Aamir Khan reportedly planning film on Raja Raghuvanshi Murder Case
Also 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
