India fears China may use Tibet hydropower dam to flood border areas if disputes flare up

In late December 2023, China officially approved the construction of a massive hydropower dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River, a waterway that transforms into the Brahmaputra River as it enters India. This decision raised significant concerns among India and Bangladesh regarding the potential impacts on the millions who rely on the river for their livelihoods and water supply. The proposed dam is located in Tibet, an ecologically fragile region near a contested border with India, intensifying fears that China may manipulate water flow during tensions. Discussions have highlighted a lack of transparency from the Chinese government, exacerbating mistrust and concern over downstream water security. India, as a lower riparian state, has expressed its anxieties through diplomatic channels, urging China to consider the rights and needs of downstream countries. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has continually sought reassurance that the project will not adversely affect ecological conditions or water resources in neighboring states. Environmental specialists point out that the construction could pose significant risks, particularly in light of recent natural disasters in the region that demonstrate its vulnerability. Furthermore, experts note that there are parallels with China’s previous activities along the Mekong River, where dam projects contributed to water scarcity and disputes among Southeast Asian nations. The Indian government has hinted at countermeasures, such as its own planned dam on the Brahmaputra, to mitigate potential disruptions caused by the Chinese mega-project. The proposed developments have stirred fears not just in India but also in Bangladesh, where the dependency on the Brahmaputra for agriculture and drinking water creates a pressing concern over ecological balance. Ultimately, both nations are advocating for improved communication with Beijing and a collaborative approach toward project planning on trans-boundary rivers. Without shared data and consultation, the danger remains that unilateral Chinese actions may lead to significant socio-political conflicts in the region, elevating water management to a potential flashpoint in diplomatic relations between India, Bangladesh, and China.