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China's Mega Dam Sparks Downstream Fears
18 Dec
Summary
- China is constructing a massive hydropower system on the Yarlung Tsangpo river.
- The project could alter river flow, impacting millions in India and Bangladesh.
- Environmental and geopolitical concerns are heightened by the dam's scale.
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.
Concerns are amplified by China's past actions on the Mekong River, where dam operations were accused of causing drought downstream. India is monitoring the situation closely and preparing protective measures. Experts suggest cooperation between China and India on the dam's design could mitigate risks, warning that a "dam-building race" could be disastrous for the region.
