Overview of the Mega-Dam Project in Tibet

The Chinese government has embarked on an ambitious hydropower project in Tibet, involving a 1.2 trillion yuan ($167 billion) mega-dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river. This initiative is aimed at boosting the economy and increasing clean energy production, despite concerns about biodiversity and geopolitical issues with India.

Economic Impact

• The project's scale is substantial, being three times larger than the Three Gorges Dam and costing more than four times as much.
• It promises to support China’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2060.

Geopolitical Tensions

• The dam is a potential source of tension with India as the river flows into the Brahmaputra, which is significant for both India and Bangladesh.
• India has expressed its concerns formally to China, and there is domestic pressure to expedite Indian hydropower projects in response.
• Bilateral relations between India and China have seen moments of stabilization but remain strained over various issues, including border conflicts and regional influence.

Environmental and Logistical Challenges

• The dam construction could impact a biodiversity-rich area within a national nature reserve, involving complex engineering challenges in a remote location.
• China has assured that it will implement measures to protect the environment and ensure safety downstream.