China has initiated construction of a massive dam on the Brahmaputra River in southeastern Tibet, near the Indian border, sparking concerns in downstream nations India and Bangladesh. The project, which began on Saturday, is expected to surpass the electricity generation capacity of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, according to Chinese state media.Chinese Premier Li Qiang attended the groundbreaking ceremony, as reported by AFP, citing local media. Approved by Beijing in December 2024, the project aligns with China's carbon neutrality goals and development plans for the Tibet region. The dam, located in Tibet’s Nyingchi area near India’s Arunachal Pradesh, is part of a plan that includes five hydroelectric power stations, with an estimated investment of 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately $167 billion USD).
According to China’s state-run news agency Xinhua, the electricity generated will primarily be transmitted to other regions while also meeting local power demands in Tibet. However, the mega-project has raised alarm in India and Bangladesh, both downstream nations heavily reliant on the Brahmaputra’s waters.
Experts warn that the dam could significantly disrupt the river’s natural flow and ecosystems, posing risks to the environment and agriculture, particularly in India’s northeastern states. Earlier this year, India’s Ministry of External Affairs expressed concerns, urging China to ensure that activities upstream do not harm the interests of downstream regions.
The project has heightened tensions in regional water politics, with observers noting that China’s move could further strain relations with its neighbors.
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