China’s Mega-Dam in Tibet Sparks Fears in India and Bangladesh

China has officially begun construction of the Motuo Hydropower Station on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. The ceremony was led by Chinese Premier Li Qiang. The project, estimated to cost around 1.2 trillion yuan ($167 billion), aims to be the biggest hydropower dam in the world—surpassing the Three Gorges Dam.

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Downstream Nations Raise Red Flags Over Water Security

India and Bangladesh, both downstream from the river, have voiced serious concerns about the potential consequences. The Yarlung Tsangpo flows into India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, and later into Bangladesh, becoming the Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers. A change in its flow could impact millions relying on this river for daily sustenance and agriculture.

India Demands Transparency, Warns of Water Crisis

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has previously urged Beijing to ensure the interests of downstream countries are not harmed. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu warned that the dam poses a grave threat to local communities and tribal life, suggesting the dam could be used as a “water bomb” in times of conflict.

Bangladesh Seeks Clarification Amid Fears of Water Disruption

Bangladesh, too, has expressed concerns by formally writing to China requesting more information about the dam’s design and water diversion plans. The potential reduction in river flow could significantly affect agriculture and drinking water supply in the region.

Tibetan Landscape to See Drastic Transformation

The dam site is located at the “Great Bend” of the Yarlung Tsangpo—a deep canyon known for its sharp U-turn around the Namcha Barwa mountain. To harness the river’s steep elevation drop, engineers plan to build multiple 20km-long tunnels to divert water through five cascading power stations.

China’s Goal: Powering the East with Western Resources

The electricity generated from the dam will primarily be sent to China's eastern cities under the "xidiandongsong" policy (sending western electricity eastwards). While Chinese media claim the project will boost local Tibetan development, critics argue it exploits the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Tibetans Face Displacement and Silencing of Dissent

Activists allege the dam is another chapter in China’s history of suppressing Tibetan voices. In the past year, protests against similar dam projects were met with force. Hundreds of Tibetans were detained, with reports of beatings and severe injuries.

Environmentalists Warn of Catastrophic Ecological Impact

Experts have raised alarms about the project's environmental impact—particularly in a region known for its rich biodiversity and proximity to earthquake fault lines. The risk of landslides, flooding, and permanent ecological damage is high.

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