Amid rising tensions between India and China, India is moving forward with plans to build a massive hydroelectric dam on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh, intended to counter a similar project by China on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet. Both projects are part of a growing struggle for control over Himalayan water resources, which could impact millions in India, Bangladesh, and beyond.
The proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project, with a $13.2 billion budget, aims to generate 11,000 megawatts of electricity, surpassing any other Indian hydroelectric project. However, it has sparked fierce opposition from local communities, including the Adi tribal group. Residents fear displacement, with reports suggesting that up to 20 villages could be submerged. Despite protests, including one where local leader Gegong Jijong rallied against the dam, the Indian government asserts that the dam will protect the region’s water flow and prevent damage from China’s own planned dam upstream.
The Medog Dam, under construction by China on the Yarlung Zangbo, is poised to become the world’s largest, surpassing China’s Three Gorges Dam. Beijing claims it is vital for achieving carbon-neutral goals, but experts warn that it could disrupt water flow into India and Bangladesh, heightening concerns over water security. The proximity of these dams to disputed borders has turned the region into a geopolitical flashpoint.
India views China’s dam as a potential strategic lever to control water flow, affecting millions downstream. A potential “water war” could arise, with fears that China could weaponize water resources, particularly in times of conflict. Although both countries have an agreement on hydrological data sharing, tensions have escalated in the past, with India accusing China of halting data during a 2017 military standoff.
The impact of these projects on Bangladesh, which relies heavily on the Brahmaputra River, is a grave concern. Experts warn that both dams could exacerbate environmental issues like riverbank erosion, potentially displacing millions in the region. As the two giants battle for water control, the situation threatens to destabilize the entire basin, with Bangladesh urging a broader, multilateral discussion on the future of the Brahmaputra’s resources.
