India mega dam plans for 11,200MW, on the Siang River in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday to offset risks from China’s Yaxia hydropower initiative in Tibet. Officials cited national security needs. The project targets flood control and power generation. Concerns centre on potential upstream manipulations by Beijing.
This story underscores escalating water rivalries in South Asia. The Brahmaputra sustains over 100 million people across India and Bangladesh. Disruptions could trigger shortages, floods or diplomatic crises. India’s response signals a shift towards assertive infrastructure to protect downstream rights amid border frictions.
India Mega Dam China: Project Details Emerge
India’s Upper Siang Multipurpose Project forms the core of this India mega dam China strategy. Located in Arunachal Pradesh, the site lies downstream from China’s Yarlung Tsangpo developments. The dam stands at 280 metres high. It holds storage for four million Olympic-sized swimming pools. Engineers aim for completion by 2035.
Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu called the initiative a “national security necessity”. He described it as a “safety valve” to manage water surges. The project generates 11,200MW of clean energy. This output exceeds current Indian hydro capacities. It reduces coal dependence by 10 million tonnes annually, per state estimates.
Government data from the Ministry of External Affairs confirms the proposal. In a Rajya Sabha reply on 21 August 2025, Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh outlined monitoring efforts. India tracks all Brahmaputra-related activities. Protective measures include hydrological data demands and diplomatic protests.
The Siang Lower Hydroelectric Project adds 2,700MW capacity. Together, these form India plans Brahmaputra dam vs Tibet mega project contours. Costs reach INR 50,000 crore. Funding splits between central allocations and green bonds. Construction starts in 2026, officials state.
India Plans Brahmaputra Dam vs Tibet Mega Project: China’s Role
China’s Yaxia project, valued at $167 billion, drives India’s urgency. Situated on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, it features five stations. Output triples the Three Gorges Dam’s 22,500MW. Beijing approved it in December 2024. Work began in March 2025.
Indian officials fear “water bombs”. Sudden releases could flood Assam plains. Drought risks loom during dry seasons. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar raised these in talks on 18 August 2025. He urged transparency from Beijing.
China’s Foreign Ministry rebutted claims. A spokesperson stated: “China has never had, and will never have, any intention to use cross-border hydropower projects on rivers to harm the interests of downstream countries.” They label fears “groundless and malicious”. Data sharing halted in 2023 due to “technical reasons”.
An Expert Level Mechanism, set in 2006, handles transboundary issues. MoUs from 2002 and 2005 lapsed. India renewed calls during the SCO Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in July 2025. Resumption remains pending.
Himalayan ecologist Maharaj K. Pandit warned of broader impacts. China’s policy forces downstream responses, he said. Sediment trapping alters river morphology. Biodiversity in Kaziranga suffers.
Local Voices and Ecological Concerns
Protests erupt in Siang district. Adi tribe leader Tapir Jamoh opposes displacement. “The Siang defines our identity and culture,” he affirmed. Over 5,000 residents rallied on 15 August 2025. They demand environmental impact assessments.
The National Human Rights Commission acted on 2 June 2025. It issued notices to Arunachal authorities over livelihood threats. Reports cite 10,000 potential displacements. Rehabilitation promises include land-for-land swaps.
Ecological data highlights risks. The Brahmaputra carries 600 million tonnes of sediment yearly. Dams trap 40%. Downstream erosion accelerates. Fish stocks drop 30% in similar projects, per Central Water Commission figures.
India commits to green standards. The project incorporates fish ladders and minimal deforestation. Consultations with locals continue through gram sabhas.
Background: Transboundary Water Tensions
India and China share 1,450km of disputed borders. The 1962 war lingers. Recent pacts eased Ladakh standoffs. Yet, water emerges as a flashpoint.
MoUs ensured flood-season data till 2023. Suspension sparked alarms. India built 10 early-warning stations in Assam. Bangladesh, a key stakeholder, seeks tripartite talks.
Historical precedents abound. The 2017 Doklam crisis tied into hydro fears. China’s 11 upstream dams already alter flows by 5-10%.
This India mega dam China push aligns with national hydro goals. Installed capacity hits 50,000MW by 2030. Arunachal holds 40% untapped potential.
What’s Next for India Mega Dam China Dynamics
Diplomatic channels intensify. India proposes data-sharing revival at the next boundary meeting. Construction bids open in Q1 2026. Environmental clearances target December 2025.
Regional forums like BIMSTEC could mediate. Bangladesh voices support for equitable shares. Long-term, climate models predict 20% flow reductions by 2050. Adaptation demands cooperation.
The India mega dam China equation evolves. It promises power security but tests bilateral trust. Outcomes shape South Asia’s hydrological future.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, October 1st, 2025
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