Simran S Kaler, The Editorial Board
Prof. Simran S Kaler is Editor in Chief of The Editorial Board at Jadetimes
As Editor-in-Chief of Jadetime, it is my duty to address the growing geopolitical and environmental tensions surrounding China's audacious plan to construct the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet. Beijing’s recent defence of the project—claiming that it will not affect lower riparian regions—has done little to assuage concerns in neighbouring countries, particularly India and Bangladesh. This development demands nuanced reflection on its far-reaching implications.
China’s argument is grounded in the principle of sovereignty—the assertion that it has the right to develop resources within its territory. Indeed, the Brahmaputra originates in Tibet, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo, and flows for nearly 1,700 kilometres before entering India and subsequently Bangladesh. Beijing’s proposed dam, envisioned to dwarf even the Three Gorges Dam, is part of its broader ambition to lead the world in renewable energy while maintaining water security for its arid regions.
While the pursuit of renewable energy is laudable, the scale and location of this project raise critical concerns. The Brahmaputra is a lifeline for millions across South Asia, supporting agriculture, fisheries, and livelihoods in its fertile plains. Any disruption to its natural flow—be it from water diversion or altered sedimentation patterns—could have devastating downstream effects. China’s assurances that the project will not impact lower reaches are met with scepticism, given its opacity in sharing hydrological data and its track record of unilateral water projects on transboundary rivers.
For India, the stakes are particularly high. The northeastern states, already vulnerable to seasonal flooding, could face exacerbated risks if the dam alters the river’s flow. Conversely, during dry spells, reduced water availability could spell disaster for agriculture and biodiversity. The cumulative impact of these changes could heighten regional tensions, particularly in an area already fraught with political sensitivities.
Bangladesh, located at the river’s delta, has even more to lose. The Brahmaputra’s sediment load is crucial for maintaining the delta’s stability and combating rising sea levels. Any disruption to sediment transport could accelerate coastal erosion, threatening millions of lives and livelihoods.
China’s insistence on unilateral decision-making underscores the need for a robust transnational framework for river governance. The absence of a comprehensive water-sharing agreement among China, India, and Bangladesh leaves downstream nations at the mercy of upstream actions. The Brahmaputra basin, like many transboundary rivers, exemplifies the urgent need for cooperation over competition.
As we examine this issue, it is essential to recognize that the Brahmaputra’s future is inextricably linked to the principles of shared responsibility and sustainable development. China’s technological prowess and ambition should not come at the expense of downstream nations’ water security. Equally, India and Bangladesh must proactively engage with Beijing to seek transparent dialogue and binding agreements that prioritize regional stability.
The world stands at a critical juncture where water, more than ever, is a contested resource. How nations navigate disputes over transboundary rivers will set a precedent for addressing the broader challenges of climate change and resource scarcity. For China, the Brahmaputra dam is a test of its commitment to being a responsible global power. For South Asia, it is a clarion call to foster unity and resilience in the face of shared challenges.
At Jadetimes, we urge all stakeholders to embrace diplomacy and scientific collaboration to chart a sustainable and equitable path forward. The Brahmaputra, a river that has nourished civilizations for millennia, deserves nothing less.
