China Building Massive Dam on Brahmaputra River, Sparking Concerns in India

China recently authorized the construction of the largest dam in the world, which is expected to cost about $137 billion, on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, close to the Indian border. 

Concerns about the dam's possible effects on water flow and regional stability have been raised by other nations, especially by neighbouring countries like Bangladesh and India.

China is Building Dam on…

The dam will be constructed in the Great Bend in Medog County, Tibet, where the river plunges 2,000 meters over a 50-kilometer stretch. It is expected to cost an astounding $137 billion (Rs 11.69 lakh crore).

Generate Power Equal to Three Dams

With the potential to produce up to 60 GW of electricity annually—three times the output of China's Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River—this natural feature makes it one of the world's most hydropower-rich places.

Significance of this Dam

This massive project is seen as a crucial milestone in China's 14th Five-Year Plan and is a component of its larger aim to become carbon neutral by 2060. In addition to promoting economic growth in the Tibetan region, it promises to provide millions of people with clean, renewable energy. But the project also highlights China's geopolitical goals, which raises questions about how it will affect Bangladesh and India, two nations downstream.

Engineering Challenges of the Brahmaputra Dam

The dam, which is located on a tectonic plate boundary in a deep valley in the Himalayas, presents engineering hurdles. The Brahmaputra forms the world's deepest canyon, with a vertical drop of almost 25,000 feet, and the region is prone to earthquakes. The area receives a lot of rainfall, which supports a strong water flow.

Despite the seismic hazards, authorities have pledged to put safety and environmental safeguards in place. The project's development has been supported by extensive geological investigations and cutting-edge technology, guaranteeing the project's minimal ecological impact.

ALSO READ: India to Host ISSF Junior World Cup 2025: A Big Step for Indian Shooting

ALSO READ: India Ranks in Top 40 of Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024