China's Mega Dam Sparks Downstream Fears

China is undertaking a vast and potentially risky hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which flows into India as the Brahmaputra. This $168-billion system aims to generate clean energy by exploiting a significant altitude drop, but experts caution it could disrupt ecosystems and displace indigenous communities. Beijing asserts that the project, described as the most sophisticated ever, has undergone extensive research and includes safety measures.

Downstream countries, particularly India, face potential consequences including altered water flow, sediment movement, and disrupted flooding patterns crucial for agriculture and biodiversity. Beyond environmental worries, the dam is viewed as strategically significant, aligning with China's goals to consolidate control over border regions like Tibet. The ecologically sensitive area is home to endangered species and indigenous populations who face relocation.