China has announced plans to build a huge hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River, which is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. This dam would be the largest in the world and could produce three times more energy than the current biggest dam, the Three Gorges Dam.
However, this project has raised a lot of concerns. Many experts say that building big dams can change landscapes forever and may even increase the risk of earthquakes. A report from The Institute for Security and Development Policy warns that large reservoirs created by dams can lead to lots of water being lost through evaporation.
Furthermore, China’s dam projects have caused problems for local people. Many families have had to move away from their homes due to the construction. This has sparked protests, especially in Tibet, where people are worried about losing their homes and cultural sites. Chinese authorities have been criticized for arresting protesters and making it harder for these displaced families.
People in India and other countries nearby are also worried about how the dam will affect them. They fear that China might control the river’s water levels, which could lead to floods in some places and droughts in others. Recently, India asked China to consider the impact of its dam projects on countries downstream, like Bangladesh.
In 2021, there was a troubling situation when China reduced the flow of the Mekong River by 50% without warning, causing serious issues for farmers and fishermen in several Southeast Asian countries.
The Indian government has said it will keep a close eye on this new dam project to protect the interests of its people. They want China to be open about its plans and to work together with other countries that share the river.
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