The Chinese government has defended its plans to construct the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, assuring neighboring countries that the mega-project will not adversely affect downstream regions or pose safety risks.
The $137 billion infrastructure project, located in the ecologically sensitive Himalayan region, has sparked concerns due to its proximity to the Indian border and its location on a tectonic plate boundary. Addressing the apprehensions, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning emphasized that extensive studies over several decades have ensured the project’s safety and environmental sustainability.
“China has always been responsible in the development of cross-border rivers,” Mao Ning stated during a press briefing on Friday. “The hydropower development in Tibet has been thoroughly studied, and safeguard measures have been implemented to protect the ecological environment and ensure project security. The world’s largest dam will not impact low-lying areas or downstream regions.”
A Historic Undertaking
The dam, to be constructed in a massive gorge in the Himalayan region, is expected to reshape the landscape of global hydropower. The Brahmaputra River, which flows into India and Bangladesh after its course in Tibet, offers significant hydropower potential. Experts estimate that the project will require more than a decade to complete, with total capital costs exceeding one trillion yuan ($137 billion).
David Fishman, an energy expert from the Lantau Group, described the initiative as “a massive engineering undertaking.” He added, “The river itself has excellent hydropower resources, but everybody downstream is going to be concerned about what it means if water flow is reduced. India, in particular, is very anxious about it.”
International Cooperation Promised
China has pledged to maintain open communication with downstream countries, including India and Bangladesh, to address concerns related to water flow and ecological impact. Mao Ning highlighted China’s commitment to disaster prevention and international collaboration, stating, “We will continue to engage with lower riparian countries through existing channels and enhance cooperation on disaster prevention and relief.”
Strategic and Environmental Implications
The project’s strategic and environmental implications have triggered global debates, particularly in India, where fears of water scarcity and altered river flows persist. Experts warn that building a mega-dam in such a geologically sensitive region carries risks of earthquakes and other environmental challenges.
As construction plans move forward, the dam promises to be the world’s largest infrastructure project, showcasing China’s engineering prowess while intensifying scrutiny over its cross-border river management practices.
Sources By Agencies
