No immediate cause for worry over China’s dam on Brahmaputra: Himanta Sarma

Himanta Biswa Sarma

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said there is no concerns about China's ongoing construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, stating there is no immediate cause for alarm as the river is not solely dependent on waters from Tibet.

Speaking to reporters in Guwahati, Sarma said the Brahmaputra receives most of its water from Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and rainfall within Assam.

"I am not immediately worried because Brahmaputra is a mighty river and it is not dependent on a single source (of water)," Sarma said.

His comments came days after China began constructing a $167.8 billion mega hydropower project on the Brahmaputra, known as Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet, near the Indian border in Arunachal Pradesh.

While acknowledging that the downstream effects are yet to be fully understood, Sarma highlighted differing scientific views.

"If Brahmaputra's flow is disturbed by China, then there may be less water and consequently biodiversity will be affected. But there is also a counter view that if less water comes, it will also act as a flood cushioning. So, I don't know which one is correct," he said.

He stressed that the central government is better placed to assess the potential impact and is likely engaged in dialogue with China.

“I am sure the Centre must already be having a discussion with China or will initiate one soon,” he added.

The dam is being built at a geologically sensitive area near a deep canyon where the river makes a dramatic U-turn before entering India. The project is expected to generate over 300 billion kWh of electricity annually and is part of a broader plan involving five cascade hydropower stations.

India and China have an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) to discuss trans-border river issues. Hydrological data-sharing on rivers like the Brahmaputra was part of talks held in December 2023 between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.