New Delhi: China plans to undertake an ambitious project of creating the “biggest dam” over the river Brahmaputra in Tibet. The river, which flows through three countries—China, India and Bangladesh—has a unique course. Known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, the river originates near the Mansarovar region, at an elevation of about 17,400 feet, making it one of the highest rivers globally.
Its 3,000-km journey traverses diverse terrains, including the Himalayas, vast plains, and braided channels, before merging with the Ganges (called Padma in Bangladesh) and emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The Brahmaputra’s geographical and hydrological attributes set it apart. In China, it flows west to east, carving the deepest canyon in the world as it passes through the Great Bend near the Namcha Barwa peak. This stretch creates a unique steep gradient ideal for hydroelectric power generation. Upon entering India in the Upper Siang region, the river is joined by two major tributaries, the Dibang and Lohit, which substantially increase its volume. It flows through the plains of Assam, where its braided nature—characterised by multiple channels and silt-laden islands—makes it difficult to define its course and width. The Brahmaputra is one of the few rivers in the subcontinent named after a male deity, meaning “Son of Brahma”.
In Bangladesh, the river becomes the Jamuna, eventually merging with the Padma (Ganges) and Meghna, forming one of the largest river systems in the world. The Brahmaputra’s tributaries—over 20 from the northern side (Himalayas) and 13 from the southern side—play a critical role in feeding this massive water system. These tributaries support agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems, serving as lifelines for millions in the region.
China’s proposed project aims to generate a staggering 60 gigawatts of power—three times the capacity of China’s own Three Gorges Dam. The steep gradient at the Great Bend, coupled with the river’s high flow, makes this site ideal for power generation. China intends to cut through mountains, build reservoirs, and use advanced tunnel systems to maximise the energy potential of the falling water.
While the project is officially justified as part of China’s efforts to achieve its net-zero carbon targets by 2030 or 2033, it can have broader implications—both geopolitically and environmentally. India and Bangladesh, as lower riparian states, face multiple risks from China’s control of the Brahmaputra’s upper reaches. The river is vital for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower in both countries.
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