China Commences Construction of World's Largest Hydropower Dam on Brahmaputra River in Tibet
China has embarked on the construction of what is anticipated to be the largest hydropower dam globally, situated on the Brahmaputra River. Referred to as the Yarlung Zangbo in Tibet, this river flows near India's border with Arunachal Pradesh. The groundbreaking event was held at the Mainling hydropower station location in Nyingchi City within the Tibet Autonomous Region.
The project's commencement was announced by Chinese Premier Li Qiang and is estimated to cost approximately USD 167.8 billion, equivalent to about 1.2 trillion Yuan. This extensive infrastructure will comprise five cascade hydropower stations and is projected to produce over 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which could supply power to more than 300 million people, as reported by official Chinese media.
The scale of this project has sparked significant concerns among countries downstream, particularly India and Bangladesh. The dam's strategic position near the "Great Bend" of the Brahmaputra, where the river sharply turns before entering India, raises alarms. Experts caution that controlling water flow could provide Beijing with a strategic edge, especially during political or military tensions.
India has consistently voiced its concerns over China's upstream hydropower activities, given the Brahmaputra's critical role in the northeastern parts of the country. The completion of the Zam Hydropower Station by China in 2015, which was then the largest in Tibet, had already prompted worries about transparency and environmental consequences.
The dam's location near an active tectonic boundary in the Himalayas creates additional safety concerns. The Tibetan plateau is prone to earthquakes, leading Indian analysts to question the feasibility and risks of such a significant engineering project in this seismically active region. Chinese officials maintain that extensive geological studies and advanced construction methods have mitigated these risks, emphasizing a commitment to ecological preservation.
In 2006, India and China established an Expert Level Mechanism for data sharing, under which China provides India with hydrological data on the Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers during the flood season. This agreement was reaffirmed during the talks in December 2024 between Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
To assert its rights over river utilization and lessen downstream reliance, India has initiated its own hydropower projects in Arunachal Pradesh. Bangladesh is also closely monitoring these developments, as the Brahmaputra serves as a vital water source for millions in the nation.
As construction progresses, the Brahmaputra dam is poised to remain a significant regional issue, carrying strategic, environmental, and diplomatic ramifications for all countries sharing the river.
