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China's Mega Dam: Brahmaputra Flood Risk Rising
27 Oct
Summary
- Chinese study projects increased Brahmaputra River runoff this century.
- Mega dam project in Tibet raises concerns over downstream floods.
- Tree-ring data reveals long-term runoff variability in the region.
Chinese researchers have projected that the Brahmaputra River may face increased runoff and a greater risk of flooding throughout this century. This forecast intensifies worries surrounding Beijing's substantial $168 billion mega dam initiative situated in Tibet. The study, utilizing tree-ring width data from 1325 to 2020, reconstructs the river's runoff history, correlating it with climate data to model future scenarios.
These findings, published in the China Science Bulletin, indicate a potential rise in high-runoff events. The researchers emphasize the need to consider these projected changes in planning water-resource development and infrastructure. They also highlighted the importance of assessing risks for transboundary rivers like the Brahmaputra, which is vital for northeastern India and Bangladesh.
The mega dam project, estimated at $168 billion, is planned with five cascade hydropower stations. Its upstream location and immense scale have prompted scrutiny regarding downstream water flows and ecological consequences. Recent geological warnings about an active fault line beneath the dam's planned site add further concerns about structural stability and potential landslides.
