China has officially begun work on what is expected to become the world’s largest hydropower dam in the Tibet Autonomous Region — a project that has triggered strong concerns from India, Bangladesh, and environmental groups.
Premier Li Qiang presided over a ceremony on Saturday to mark the start of construction on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, a waterway that flows across the Tibetan plateau before entering India and Bangladesh.
Chinese state media reports that the Motuo Hydropower Station, when completed, will surpass the Three Gorges Dam and is expected to generate three times more energy, with five cascading power stations connected by tunnels drilled through the Namcha Barwa mountain.
Why the Project is Stirring Fears
Trans‑boundary impact:
Experts warn that control over the Yarlung Tsangpo — which feeds into India’s Siang and Brahmaputra rivers, and Bangladesh’s Jamuna — gives Beijing significant leverage over millions of people downstream.
India’s alarm:
Arunachal Pradesh Governor Pema Khandu told PTI earlier this month:
“The dam is going to cause an existential threat to our tribes and our livelihoods. Suppose the dam is built and they suddenly release water, our entire Siang belt would be destroyed.”
Bangladesh’s response:
Officials in Dhaka confirmed in February that they have sent a letter to Beijing seeking more details about the project and its potential consequences.
Environmental and Local Concerns
The Yarlung Tsangpo flows through the world’s deepest and longest land canyon, known as “the Great Bend.”
The Chinese plan involves drilling multiple tunnels and straightening river sections, which could submerge valleys rich in biodiversity.
Activists argue these mega‑dams are part of a broader push by Beijing to exploit Tibet’s resources. Past protests have ended in arrests and reported beatings.
Environmental groups also warn about the dangers of building massive dams in an earthquake‑prone region.
Beijing’s Position
China insists the project will balance ecological protection with development, citing President Xi Jinping’s policy of ‘xidiandongsong’, “sending western electricity eastwards” — to power its major cities.
In a 2020 statement, China’s foreign ministry stressed:
“China has a legitimate right to develop hydropower on its territory, and downstream impacts are fully considered.”