NEW DELHI, Jan 22: After constructing an embankment-type dam at the India – Nepal border, China’s recent announcement to construct a “super” dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangdo River in Tibet, which flows into Siang, Arunachal Pradesh and then joins the Brahmaputra, may cause enhancement of tension between the two Asian giants.
Apparently in an attempt to disrupt the harmony in Arunachal Pradesh, China has announced the construction of the “super” dam on the Yarlung Zangdo River, which when completed would provide China control over the flow of 30 percent of India’s freshwater resources.
The announcement about the “super” dam comes close on the heels of the release of satellite images that revealed the construction of the Chinese dam near the tri-junction border with India and Nepal.
On Thursday, a tweet contained satellite images made by a geospatial intelligence researcher, Damien Symon, showing dam construction activity by China on the Mabja Zangbo River in Burang County, Tibet, since May 2021. The Mabja River, which eventually becomes a tributary of the Ganga, and the development of the reservoir due to the construction of an embankment-type dam is also visible in the images.
According to Symon, the dam appears to be 350 to 400 meters long based on the latest satellite images. “An airport is being constructed nearby as well” he added. Though the purpose of the construction embankment is not clear yet, it is speculated that it can be used to divert or restrict the waters of the Mabja Zangbo River or to create floods downstream, which would further affect India and Nepal.
In response to China’s “super” dam, India’s National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) has filed a pre-feasibility report of the country’s largest hydropower project to date, for the “Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage,” with the Central Electricity Authority of India. The project is expected to act as a water reservoir in the event of river diversion.
(Harshil Rami)