Take Diplomatic Steps to Halt Chinese Dam in Tibet: BJP MP Dilip Saikia to Centre

Guwahati: BJP MP Dilip Saikia strongly opposed China’s construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra in Tibet. Saikia urged the central government to take immediate diplomatic and strategic measures to halt the construction of this dam, ensuring the safety and future of Assam and the Northeast by engaging in bilateral discussions with China.

During the Zero Hour in Parliament today, he raised concerns that China’s move to build this massive dam will have devastating effects on the climate of Assam and the entire Northeast, endangering the region’s civilization, culture, and environment.

Saikia further emphasized that the Brahmaputra River originates in Tibet, flows through China, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam, and finally enters Bangladesh. In China, this river is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo. The dam is planned to be constructed in the vast Himalayan valley on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, very close to the Arunachal Pradesh border, within a region known as the “Bend of Fire Zone.” Given the seismic activity in this area, the construction of such a massive dam poses a serious environmental threat and a grave danger to local communities, he said.

According to Saikia, the northeastern states of India and Bangladesh are already facing severe floods, and the environmental changes caused by this dam will exacerbate these challenges, leading to increased landslides, earthquakes, and floods. “This will pose a significant threat to the region’s civilization, environment, culture, and social fabric. Once completed, this dam will be the largest river dam in the world. According to a 2023 report, the hydroelectric project is expected to generate over 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually,” he said.

Saikia also highlighted that China is investing approximately $137 billion in constructing this dam, making it the largest of its kind globally. The dam will store a vast amount of water, giving China complete control over the river’s flow. This could result in either water shortages or devastating floods in Northeast India, making the region perpetually vulnerable. Additionally, China’s influence will extend dangerously close to the Arunachal Pradesh border, he added in a press release.

 Also Read: New Delhi monitoring proposed mega dam on the Brahmaputra in Tibet

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