The local governments of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam have heightened their alertness following a report from China of an increase in water discharge in the Siang River. This river, a tributary of Brahmaputra, has experienced inflation due to heavy rainfall in Tibet.
The Background
India is known as a low riparian state in terms of rivers that originate from the Tibetan Plateau. China has been constructing dams such as the Zangmu Dam and the Dagu Dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo. Besides that, it’s also diverting river water for its populated northern region.
India’s northeastern states, which rely heavily on these rivers for agriculture and drinking water, are directly affected by any change in the water level. Moreover, these rivers are also responsible for annual floods in the region.
Mechanism between India and China related to trans-boundary river
In order to share hydrological information on the Brahmaputra River and Sutlej River during flood seasons, China and India signed the first Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU). Since 2018, China has shared data after briefly stopping during the Doklam Standoff in 2017.
As a resolution platform for matters related to trans-border rivers, an Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) was set up in 2006. The 11th round of meetings took place in March 2018.
Trans-boundary River issue between India and China
To justify dam construction on trans-boundary rivers, China invoked the principles of ‘Absolute Territorial Sovereignty’ and the Harmon Doctrine. These state that an upstream nation can utilize a river’s flow within its borders without considering downstream effects. In response, lower riparian states like India and Bangladesh laid their claims based on ‘absolute territorial integrity’.
Currently, China is actively constructing dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo to assert its rights under the Principle of Prior Appropriation. To counter this, India has begun construction of hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh along the Brahmaputra.
Impact of Dams by China on India
China’s dam construction on the Brahmaputra could potentially give them leverage over Arunachal Pradesh. There are apprehensions that Chinese hydropower projects could convert the Brahmaputra into a seasonal river causing water scarcity in India.
Further risks include floodwater release during monsoons which could lead to flooding in the Brahmaputra basin in Assam. There is also an ongoing worry about the Brahmaputra losing the silt that it carries downstream, which makes the plains fertile. Not to mention, the declining water quality and possible disruption of the ecosystem from dam construction.
China’s Stand on India’s Concerns
Despite these concerns, China insists that the dams will continue as run-of-river projects. This means the water will be returned to the river after use, supposedly alleviating fears of diversion and hoarding.
However, to achieve lasting hydro-security in the Brahmaputra basin, the two countries need a long term understanding. This should involve a sustained dialogue and water-sharing treaty that benefits both parties.
Rivers between India and China
Key rivers between the two countries include the Brahmaputra with its many tributaries, the Sutlej, and the Indus – each with their own strategic value and points of contention.
International Agreements For Trans-Boundary River System
Several international agreements have been established to regulate the use of trans-boundary water systems. Despite the existence of such agreements, like the UN Convention on the Law of the Non-navigational Uses of International Watercourses and the Helsinki Rules, neither China nor India have become signatories. This leaves the entire issue in uncertain waters, as these conventions hold no sway over non-party countries.