China has begun building the world’s largest hydropower dam in Tibet, officially named the Motuo Hydropower Station, along the Yarlung Tsangpo River. The $167 billion project aims to surpass the output of the current largest dam, the Three Gorges, by generating three times more power. The construction is taking place in a deep canyon where the river sharply turns near Namcha Barwa mountain, an area known for steep drops in elevation that offer ideal conditions for hydroelectricity.
The Chinese government claims the project is designed to promote ecological protection and bring economic development to Tibet, under a policy known as "xidiandongsong" which means "sending western electricity eastwards." Electricity generated will mainly serve eastern China, though authorities say Tibet’s local energy needs will be considered.
Chinese Premier Li Qiang recently oversaw the official groundbreaking ceremony. Engineers plan to drill long tunnels through mountains and divert the river to create five power stations in a series. State media portray this effort as clean, green, and beneficial to rural development. However, the area is prone to earthquakes and known for its rich biodiversity, raising concerns about the environmental and geological risks of such a massive project in a fragile region.
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Despite the project's promise of renewable energy, past protests by Tibetans against similar dams have been violently suppressed, with multiple reports of arrests and beatings.
India and Bangladesh are alarmed by China’s massive dam project in Tibet, as the Yarlung Tsangpo River flows southward into India's Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states, where it becomes the Siang and Brahmaputra rivers, and then into Bangladesh, where it's known as the Jamuna River. Millions of people depend on this river system for drinking water, farming, and fishing.
Indian officials fear the dam gives China dangerous control over the river’s flow. In a 2020 report, the Lowy Institute warned that China's control over Tibetan rivers gives it a strategic advantage over India’s water supply. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu called the project an "existential threat," saying it could cause the Brahmaputra to “dry up” or even unleash devastating floods if China suddenly releases water.
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India is now planning to build its own dam on the Siang River to act as a buffer. India’s Ministry of External Affairs has urged China to consider the rights of downstream countries and requested transparency and consultation. Bangladesh also voiced concern, sending a formal letter to Beijing asking for project details earlier this year.
China responded by insisting it has the legal right to build dams on its territory and that downstream effects have been evaluated. However, both neighboring countries remain deeply skeptical.
Environmental groups and Tibetan activists also worry about the irreversible damage to ecosystems and the displacement of local communities. Past dam projects in Tibet have already led to protests, arrests, and violent crackdowns. Experts warn this new megaproject may fuel more conflict not just with neighboring nations but also with local Tibetans who feel ignored and endangered by Beijing’s plans.
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