Staff Reporter
Guwahati: India is keeping a keen eye on the developments related to the construction of a mega dam project by China on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) River in Tibet. The Indian government has been highlighting the resumption of the provision of hydrological data by the Chinese side in several bilateral interactions with China recently.
This was disclosed by the Minister of State (MoS) in the Ministry of External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in the Rajya Sabha today. The minister stated this in reply to a question raised by MPs Mukul Balkrishna Wasnik and Ritabrata Banerjee.
MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh said, "Government of India has taken note of reports about commencement of construction of mega dam project by China on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (upper reaches of the Brahmaputra) River in Tibet. This project was first made public as far back as 1986 and since then, preparations have been underway in China. The government carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra River, including plans by China to develop hydropower projects, and takes necessary measures to protect our interests, including preventive and corrective measures to safeguard the life and livelihood of Indian citizens residing in downstream areas."
Fears have been expressed about adverse effects of the mega dam by China on the downstream areas, specifically Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The Brahmaputra River is considered the lifeline of Assam.
Singh went on to say, "Various issues relating to trans-border rivers are discussed with China under the ambit of an institutionalised Expert Level Mechanism which was established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels. As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, including on the need for transparency and consultation with downstream countries, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas."
The need for cooperation on trans-border rivers, including resumption of provision of hydrological data by the Chinese side, has been highlighted by the government in several bilateral interactions with China, including during the recent visit of the External Affairs Minister to China from July 14 to 16, 2025, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Foreign Ministers' Meeting, the MEA Minister of State informed Rajya Sabha.
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