(OT Webdesk)China has launched construction of a colossal $167 billion hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river—known as the Brahmaputra in India—triggering alarm in New Delhi over water security and ecological risks.
The project, located in Tibet’s Nyingchi region near Arunachal Pradesh, includes five major stations and was inaugurated by Premier Li Qiang, highlighting China’s strategic focus on energy and resource control.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu labeled the dam a potential “water bomb,” warning that sudden release could devastate Siang valley communities, including the Adi tribe. India flags concerns over China’s unchecked control, as it isn’t party to any international water-sharing pact.
Experts caution that the project in a seismically active and ecologically fragile region could cause flooding, droughts, and environmental disruption across Arunachal and Assam.
Strategic concerns loom as the dam could serve dual civil-military purposes.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs is actively monitoring developments. In response, Arunachal is planning the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project to regulate river flow and safeguard national interests.
The mega-dam intensifies India-China tensions along the Line of Actual Control, with fears of future resource-driven conflict.
