The Chinese authorities have recently approved the first downstream hydropower project on the lower reaches of the river Brahmaputra to be constructed by a Chinese hydropower company. This article delves into the details of the project and its potential implications.
Brahmaputra River: Source and Peculiarities
Originating from the Chemayungdung glacier of the Kailash range near Mansarovar lake, the Brahmaputra river is known as Siang or Dihang. It enters India west of Sadiya town in Arunachal Pradesh and gets support from major tributaries – Dibang, Lohit, Siang, Burhi Dihing, Tista, and Dhansari.
Being a perennial river, it experiences two annual flooding seasons – one due to Himalayan snow meltdown in summer, and the other driven by monsoon. Owing to climate change and its impact on high and low flows, the frequency of these floods has increased, posing serious threats to population and food security in the lower riparian states of India and Bangladesh. In addition, frequent landslides and geological activities often force the river to change its course, adding to its dynamism.
About the Project
The state-owned hydropower company POWERCHINA has recently inked a strategic cooperation agreement with the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) government. This deal aims to exploit hydropower in the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo river under the new Five Year Plan (2021-2025). It marks the first-ever tapping of the downstream sections of the river. However, the exact location of the proposed project remains unspecified. Interestingly, the Great Bend of the Brahmaputra and the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon in Medog county, where the river takes a sharp turn across the border into Arunachal Pradesh, is considered the potential location. This 50 km stretch alone could develop up to 70 million kilowatt-hours (Kwh).
China’s Previous Hydro Projects
China had operationalized its inaugural hydropower project at Zangmu in Tibet back in 2015. Additionally, three other dams at Dagu, Jiexu, and Jiacha are under development, all located on the upper and middle reaches of the river.
Project Significance for China
The 60 million kWh hydropower exploitation promises to deliver 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable, and zero-carbon electricity per year. This development will hold the key to achieving China’s target of peaking carbon emissions by 2030 and attaining carbon neutrality by 2060.
Concerns for India
India has been airing its concerns on Brahmaputra since 2015 when China began its project at Zangmu. If approved, a dam at the Great Bend is likely to incite fresh worries considering its downstream and near-border location from Arunachal Pradesh. While the quantity of water doesn’t pose a problem due to the run of river dams not disturbing the flow of Brahmaputra, India is worried about Chinese activities affecting the quality of water, ecological balance, and flood management.
Despite sharing hydrological data, both nations lack a water-sharing agreement, making it vital to have an ongoing dialogue on issues like droughts, floods, and high water discharges.
The Way Forward
It is essential for India to seek more information from China beyond hydrological data about the topographic condition of the entire basin. Ensuring hydro-security in the Brahmaputra basin will require a long-term understanding between the two countries. Hence, it is crucial for India to engage in sustained dialogue with China and forge a water-sharing treaty that benefits both nations.