China plan to build the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river has triggered serious concerns in downstream regions like northeastern India and Bangladesh, with experts warning of the project’s far-reaching environmental and geopolitical impacts.
The proposed dam, expected to generate a massive 60,000 megawatts of electricity, is part of China’s growing push for energy dominance. However, critics are calling it a “water bomb” that could severely disrupt the delicate ecosystem of the Brahmaputra river basin and increase the risk of devastating floods in downstream areas.
Tapir Gao, a Member of Parliament from Arunachal Pradesh, expressed alarm over the possibility of China releasing large volumes of water without warning. “Such a move could cause flash floods in our region, putting countless lives and livelihoods at risk,” he said.
These concerns were echoed at a recent conference hosted by the Asian Confluence, where experts, policymakers, and researchers from across the region gathered to discuss the dam’s potential fallout. The gathering stressed the need for a coordinated international response to manage shared river resources responsibly.
Experts highlighted that the dam could alter river flow patterns, impact agriculture, and threaten water availability in India’s northeastern states and Bangladesh. The situation demands urgent attention, with scientists calling for in-depth environmental studies and transparent data-sharing between nations.
As China moves ahead with the project, voices across South Asia are calling for diplomacy, cooperation, and science-based solutions to ensure that the world’s water resources are managed in a way that protects people, nature, and peace.