China plans to build the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet, threatening water flow to India, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Bhutan. India fears reduced Brahmaputra flow and environmental damage. Legal and regional risks prompt calls for transparency, cooperation, and a unified water governance framework to address concerns.
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China plans to build the world's largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Zangbo River in Tibet.
The Yarlung Zangbo river originates in Tibet and flows through India and Bangladesh as the Brahmaputra, before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The river is a vital source of water, hydroelectric power, and livelihoods for millions of people in the region.
China's plan to construct a massive hydroelectric dam on the lower section of the upper stream of the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet has raised concerns in India and other downstream countries.
The dam is expected to be one of the largest in the world, with a capacity to generate over 60,000 megawatts of electricity.
India has expressed concerns about the potential impact of the dam on the local environment, disruption of water flow downstream, and implications for bilateral relations.
India is concerned that the dam could reduce the water flow into the Brahmaputra river, which is a vital source of water for irrigation, drinking water, and hydroelectric power in India's northeastern states.
Legal Implications
The construction of the dam raises critical legal issues under international water law.
Equitable and Reasonable Utilization: The principle requires that countries use shared water resources in a way that is equitable and reasonable.
Obligation to Prevent Significant Harm: Countries have an obligation to prevent significant harm to other countries that share the same watercourse.
Duty to Cooperate: Countries have a duty to cooperate with each other in the use and management of shared water resources.
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The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Non-Navigational Uses of International Watercourses (UN Watercourses Convention) 1997 stresses the principles of equitable and reasonable utilisation, the responsibility to prevent harm, and the duty to cooperate. These principles are essential in ensuring that shared water resources are managed sustainably and equitably. However, China and India are not signatories to the UN Watercourses Convention. Nor do they have a comprehensive framework of domestic laws governing transboundary rivers. |
Regional Implications
The dam could affect the water flow into Bangladesh, which is already facing significant water management challenges.
The dam could also affect the water flow into Nepal and Bhutan, which are downstream countries that share the same watercourse.
The construction of the dam highlights the need for regional cooperation and agreement on the use and management of shared water resources.
Environmental Risks
The region is seismically active, and the construction of the dam could increase the risk of earthquakes and landslides.
The construction of the dam could disrupt the natural flow of the river, affecting the ecosystems and biodiversity of the region.
The dam could also increase the risk of flooding in downstream areas, particularly during the monsoon season.
India and China could engage in renewed diplomatic efforts to address concerns and build trust.
China could provide more transparency and cooperation on the construction and operation of the dam, including sharing data on water flow and quality.
A regional approach to water governance could help South Asian nations collectively address their shared concerns and develop a unified response to address the challenges posed by the dam.
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PRACTICE QUESTION Q. Explain the concept of run-of-the-river hydro projects and their advantages over traditional large dams. 150 words |
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