China has approved the construction of what is set to become the world’s largest dam, located on the Brahmaputra River (called the Yarlung Tsangpo in China) near its border with India. The project, touted as a part of China’s ambitious hydropower plans, is expected to have far-reaching implications for the region, particularly for India, which shares the river’s waters. As China moves forward with the project, it is stirring geopolitical tensions and raising concerns about the potential impact on water resources, flood management, and the livelihoods of millions of people in both China and India.
A Game-Changing Hydropower Project
The approval for the dam was granted by the Chinese government in December 2024, marking a major step toward realizing the country’s ambitious hydropower goals. Set to be built in the Tibet Autonomous Region, the dam is expected to be over 300 meters high and span a length of more than 1,000 meters. With a planned capacity of over 50,000 MW, the dam will dwarf existing hydropower projects, including the world’s current largest, the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River. This enormous facility is not only designed to provide a massive energy output but is also part of China’s broader efforts to secure water resources in the Tibet region, which is often referred to as the “Water Tower of Asia.”
The Brahmaputra River, which originates in Tibet, is a lifeline for millions of people across India and Bangladesh. The river provides water for drinking, agriculture, and sustains the livelihoods of communities. However, the new dam, if completed as planned, has the potential to alter the flow of water significantly, impacting downstream regions.
Geopolitical Implications: India’s Concerns
India, which shares a long border with China and relies heavily on the Brahmaputra for its northeastern states, has expressed significant concerns regarding the construction of the dam. The Brahmaputra, which flows through the northeastern Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and others, is a crucial water source for agriculture and daily life in these areas. Any alteration to the river’s natural flow, especially in terms of water diversion or storage, could have disastrous consequences, including severe water shortages, floods, and the destruction of fragile ecosystems.
Indian experts have pointed out that the construction of such a large-scale dam near the border could also give China leverage over India’s water resources, potentially allowing Beijing to control the flow of water during critical seasons. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has already voiced concerns, with officials emphasizing the need for China to share information about the project and consult with neighboring countries, particularly India and Bangladesh, in accordance with international water-sharing protocols.
Environmental and Humanitarian Impact
Beyond the political and diplomatic implications, the environmental impact of such a massive dam is another source of concern. The Brahmaputra River basin is known for its rich biodiversity, and any significant changes in the water flow could disrupt the delicate ecological balance. The river supports a wide variety of aquatic life, including endangered species, and is home to one of the most fertile floodplains in the world. The construction of the dam could lead to the submergence of large areas of land, affecting wildlife habitats and causing displacement of local populations.
The dam is expected to store vast quantities of water, which could result in significant alterations to downstream water levels. These fluctuations could increase the frequency and severity of floods, as has been witnessed in some dam-affected regions worldwide. On the other hand, the river’s lower flow during dry periods could lead to water shortages, particularly during India’s crucial agricultural seasons. These disruptions could exacerbate existing challenges such as food insecurity and water scarcity in the northeastern states.
The Role of International Diplomacy
The dam project has reignited discussions about the management of shared river systems in Asia. The Brahmaputra, which flows through China, India, and Bangladesh, is an international watercourse, and the construction of such a large dam in China’s Tibet region raises critical questions about transboundary water management and cooperation. International law, including the 1997 United Nations Convention on the Law of Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses, emphasizes the need for countries sharing rivers to cooperate and notify each other of any major projects that could affect shared water resources.
While China has assured that the dam will not adversely affect downstream countries, the lack of transparency and clear communication regarding the project’s specifics has created uncertainty. India has already called for greater cooperation and transparency from China, urging Beijing to engage in a dialogue to resolve any potential water disputes amicably.
Conclusion: A Turning Point in Regional Water Politics
The approval of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River marks a new chapter in the geopolitical and environmental dynamics of South Asia. While the project is part of China’s broader hydropower ambitions and regional development goals, it raises serious concerns for India and Bangladesh, who depend on the river for survival. The coming months and years will likely see a concerted effort from India to address these concerns through diplomatic channels, as both nations strive to safeguard their shared water resources and ensure that the development of such large-scale projects does not harm regional peace and stability.
Ultimately, the construction of this dam may serve as a defining moment in the management of transboundary rivers in Asia, with international cooperation and diplomacy taking center stage to protect the lives and livelihoods of millions across the region.