Assam CM Says Not Worried by China’s Brahmaputra Dam
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said there is no immediate reason to be worried about China’s construction of a massive dam on the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo). He noted that the Brahmaputra receives most of its water from Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and local rainfall, making it less dependent on a single upstream source.
Two Scientific Perspectives
The CM outlined two possible scientific outcomes:
- Reduced Water Flow: This may affect downstream biodiversity.
- Flood Mitigation: Less water could help cushion Assam against yearly floods.
He said neither outcome is certain and the effects will only become clear once the dam is fully operational.
Reliance on River’s Many Sources
Sarma emphasized that the Brahmaputra is a “mighty river” with multiple tributaries. He pointed out that the majority of its flow accumulates within Indian territory, making it resilient to changes upstream. This stance aligns with hydrological data suggesting that only 15–35% of the river’s water originates from Tibet.
Central Government Monitoring
The Chief Minister expressed confidence that the central government is engaging with China to understand the project and its downstream impact. He affirmed that India is aware and prepared to respond as scientific assessments unfold.
Shared Water Security
China’s multi-cascade hydropower project, valued at over $160 billion, will generate power but also raises ecological and geopolitical questions. Assam’s leadership is monitoring both flood control benefits and possible environmental risks. Meanwhile, India is considering its own Upper Siang dam project in Arunachal Pradesh as a downstream buffer mechanism.
