Do not build arbitrary dam on Brahmaputra

The biggest dam being built by Beijing on the Brahmaputra in Tibet may become a poison for the countries of South Asia. A solution has to be found before the problem grows.

A new center of geopolitical tension between India and China seems to be emerging in the vast valley of Medog County in Tibet. Here the Yarlung Tsangpo, or Brahmaputra, river takes a U-turn before entering India's Arunachal Pradesh. Here the rapid velocity of the huge water body is seen, and here China wants to develop the world's largest hydroelectric project. Here China will generate 300 billion kilowatts of electricity per hour, and the total capacity of this plant will be 60,000 megawatts. For this, it is ready to spend $137 billion. This project will directly affect the people in India and Bangladesh who live in the catchment area of ​​this river. Obviously, questions are being raised on China's intentions as well. Will China's search for liquid gold prove to be a cup of poison for South Asia?

Tibet is the source of many mighty rivers of Asia. These rivers flow through the most populated areas of Asia. It is clear that China is carrying out economic activities in the Tibetan region at a very fast pace. Tibet has been facing a lot of pressure since 2000 due to development activities. Due to economic activities, deforestation, soil erosion, landslides, floods, acid rain, and pollution are increasing. The condition of these water sources is also deteriorating day by day. Many types of problems have emerged in this entire region. China is expanding with its rapid development, and its influence is spreading beyond its borders.

In the past few years, India-China water talks have been on the surface. These talks have been unable and often unwilling to reach a final solution to the dispute. The history of periodic deadlocks and hostility has also led to a lack of will to resolve the disputes between the two countries.

A concrete solution is not the goal; therefore, the results of the talks are very mediocre. The role of international institutions in the Himalayan region has been more symbolic than real. This is the reason why disputes are increasing in the regions of India, China, Nepal, etc.

India learned a bitter lesson at a cost in 2017, when China refused to share hydrological data with India but went ahead to share the data with Bangladesh. In the backdrop of the India-China standoff, there was a clash in Doklam, and soldiers were martyred. Every time China appeared to be dominant.

India's policy on water security has been flexible, which has harmed India's interests. The tradition of playing it too safe has made it impossible for a frank dialogue to take place. As a result, we have always kept our demands to a minimum, which has given China a free hand. It has been able to take any action without any concern for its downstream region or its neighbors.

It is moving forward without accountability. The hope of improvement is diminishing. One reason for this is that the Chinese approach is mechanical; it prefers bargaining in everything. India pays Rs 82 lakh annually to get hydrological data during the flood season from three stations located in Tibet.

China is also conducting a one-dimensional study of the Brahmaputra, and this could have serious consequences. Attention has also been diverted from the serious issue of water quality. The cost of such inaction was evident in 2017, when the water of the Brahmaputra turned black. The level of water pollution reportedly rose to 1,249 NTU, 250 times the safe limit.Of particular concern is the Three Rivers region, which includes the Warlung Tsangpo, Lhasa River, and Nyangchu basins in central Tibet; this area is also facing environmental degradation. This region also contains one of the most exploited areas, the Gyama Valley, where copper,There are deposits of molybdenum, gold, silver, lead, and zinc. Studies by Chinese scientists have also pointed to the possibility of high content of heavy metals in the sediments and residues of the river streams here. 

Obviously, when the water rises and China releases water, the sediments and residues will find a way to flow down. Big questions also arise about the waste deposited in the sediments or the cumulative effect due to large-scale dam-building projects across the Himalayan region.

It is worth noting that the Himalayan region is also very dynamic, and earthquakes are an ever-present threat. Chinese scientists themselves have conducted a study and found that the earthquake that struck Sichuan province in western China in 2008, in which 80,000 people died, also damaged the Zipingpu dam.Last week's 7.1 magnitude earthquake near Shigatse in Tibet reminds China that dam building is no longer cost-free or a panacea. Such dams cannot be trusted. Beijing should consider what the risks of such a dam are, what its environmental costs are, and what the regional or global sentiment is about it.

The question is whether the countries along the Brahmaputra can learn from any global example, be it the historic Great Lakes Agreement of 1909 in North America or the International Sava River Basin Commission established in 2005 in Southeastern Europe. This rich evidence of river water solutions tells us that trust and cooperation among riparian countries take time to develop. The Ecuador-Peru agreement in 2023 to jointly protect the Catamayo-Chira, Zarumilla, and Puyango-Tumbes watersheds shows that such an agreement is possible only after long efforts of mutual cooperation. Before building a dam at any place upstream, the future of the lives, agriculture, and agricultural people of the downstream countries should also be considered. Are the wider interests of the people affected now being taken into account?

The Brahmaputra debate, linked to broader security, needs to be approached with a lot of thought, taking lessons from all the examples. There is a need to give voice to the missing water agenda and look after our own interests wholeheartedly.

The Brahmaputra River is one of the major rivers of North-East India, known for its natural beauty and life-giving characteristics. This river is of immense importance not only for India but also for countries like Tibet, Bhutan and Bangladesh. The flow of this river starts from the Himalayas and passes through various countries and states. However, proposals to build dams on this river for the last few decades have raised concerns among environmentalists, local communities and experts.

This article focuses on the potential dangers of dam construction on the Brahmaputra, its environmental and social impacts, and the controversies associated with it.

Geographical Importance of Brahmaputra

The total length of the Brahmaputra River is about 2,900 kilometers. It is known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet and enters Arunachal Pradesh as Dihang. Passing through the plains of Assam, it enters Bangladesh and merges with the Ganges into the Bay of Bengal.

The Brahmaputra River brings with it a huge amount of silt, which provides highly fertile soil for the agricultural sector of Assam and Bengal. This river is the basis of life for millions of people and also has a priceless wealth of biodiversity.

Reasons for dam construction

1. Energy production: There is a huge potential for hydroelectric power in north-eastern India. By building dams, it is possible to produce thousands of megawatts of electricity from this river.

2. Flood control: Every year Assam and Arunachal Pradesh face the problem of floods. It is claimed that floods can be controlled through dams.

3. Irrigation facility: Large-scale irrigation projects can be started through dams.

Possible dangers of dam construction

1. Environmental impact

Impact on biodiversity: The Brahmaputra River is home to innumerable flora and fauna. The construction of a dam will stop the flow of water, which will pose a threat to aquatic organisms and their natural habitat.

Reduction of silt: The soil around the river remains fertile due to the deposition of silt. This natural process will stop due to the construction of a dam.

Climate change: Dam construction can lead to changes in the local climate, which can adversely affect the agriculture and vegetation of the area.

2. Social impact

Displacement of local people: Large scale land acquisition will be required for dam construction, which can displace thousands of families.

Impact on livelihood: Fishermen and farmers, whose livelihood depends on the river, will be affected by the dam construction.

Loss of culture and tradition: The Brahmaputra river holds cultural and religious significance for local tribes and communities. This traditional connection can be broken due to the dam.

3. Geographical and geological impact

The basin of the Brahmaputra is a seismic zone. Construction of any major dam here can be disastrous in case of an earthquake. Disrupting the natural flow of the river can increase the possibility of floods and landslides.

Controversies and concerns

The proposal to build a dam on the Brahmaputra is a matter of concern not only for India but also for neighboring countries. India-China dispute: China has constructed several small and big dams on the Brahmaputra in Tibet, due to which India fears a water crisis.

Bangladesh concerns: The water of the Brahmaputra is the main source of agriculture and drinking water for Bangladesh. Construction of dams by India may affect the water supply to Bangladesh.

What can be the alternative to the dam?

1. Renewable energy sources: Alternative sources like solar and wind energy may be preferred instead of hydropower.

2. Local flood control measures: Floods can be controlled by constructing small dams or reservoirs.

3. Water conservation schemes: Problems of irrigation and drinking water supply can be solved by using modern techniques of water management.

Conclusion

Arbitrary construction of dams on the Brahmaputra river may prove to be a serious threat to the environment, society and geography. It is necessary that the government and policy-makers seriously consider this project and understand its long-term impacts. Development is necessary, but it should not be at the cost of nature and humanity. The Brahmaputra river is not just a water stream; It is a lifeline. It is our responsibility to preserve and respect it.

Our role

Local communities and organisations should spread awareness on this issue. The government should also make decisions based on transparency and expertise. If the Brahmaputra is preserved, it will remain a precious heritage for generations to come.

                                                                                                        (This is the blogger’s own opinion.)