China's Hydropower Project on Yarlung Zangbo
China has officially announced the construction of a massive hydropower project on the Yarlung Zangbo River, which becomes the Brahmaputra as it enters India. This project is poised to significantly impact both China's economic objectives and India's strategic interests.
Impact on India
- Concerns have been raised in Arunachal Pradesh about potential downstream impacts, with fears of the region being vulnerable to a "water bomb."
- The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh expressed concerns over potential devastating effects on the Siang region, particularly affecting tribes like the Adi.
- The majority of the Brahmaputra’s waters originate in India's catchment areas, but immediate impacts are expected in Arunachal Pradesh.
India's Response
- India has proposed the 11.2 GW Upper Siang Multipurpose Project to counter the Chinese development.
- The project aims to regulate water flow and protect downstream infrastructures but has faced delays due to local opposition.
- An NHPC official stated that the project could mitigate adverse impacts from upstream Chinese activities.
