India is alarmed that a planned Chinese mega-dam in Tibet could reduce water flows on a critical river by upto 85% during the dry season.
According to government analyses and sources familiar with the situation. In response, New Delhi is accelerating plans for its own dam to mitigate potential impacts.
Since the early 2000s, the Indian government has explored projects to manage water flow from Tibet’s Angsi Glacier which supports over 100 million people downstream in China, India and Bangladesh.
However, these initiatives have faced strong resistance from residents in Arunachal Pradesh who fear displacement and loss of their livelihoods.
In December, China announced it would construct the world’s largest hydro-power dam in a border area near where the Yarlung Zangbo river enter India. This move has raised concerns in New Delhi that Beijing could leverage control over the river for strategic advantages, especially given its territorial claims in Arunchal Pradesh.
India’s largest hydropower company has begun surveys for the Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Dam, Beijing to divert approximately 40 billion cubic meters of water annually, significantly impacting water availability during the non-monsoon months when demand peaks.
The proposed Upper Siang dam could store 14 billion cubic meters of water, allowing India to manage supply during dry seasons. Without it, regional cities like Guwahati could face an 11% reduction in water supply, compared to a potential 25% drop if the Indian Dam is not built.
China’s foreign ministry stated that its hydropower projects have undergone rigorous safety and environmental assessments and would not adversely affect downstream countries. However, India’s foreign ministry has expressed concerns with top diplomat S. Jaishankar raising the issue in discussions with his Chinese counterpart.
The situation has escalated tensions, as India has faced accusations from Pakistan of weaponising water resources. This year, India suspended participation in a water-sharing treaty with Islamabad, further complicating regional relations.
On the ground, local communities in Arunachal Pardesh particularly the Adi tribe are resisting the dam’s construction. They also feared the loss of their lands and livelihoods. While some villagers have engaged with NHPC officials for compensating discussions many remain opposed to the project.
Despite the challenges, the Indian government is pushing forward with plans to secure water resources and address community concerns, citing the need for water security and flood management in the face of potential threats from the Chinese dam.
However, the large dam projects in seismically active regions have raised safety concerns among experts, emphasizing the need for careful engagement between Pakistan, India and China.
