China’s Yarlung Zangbo Dam - Concerns for India - UPSC Editorials

Context: China plans to construct a massive hydroelectric dam on the lower section of the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet, raising strategic and environmental concerns for India.

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Why is China’s Yarlung Zangbo Dam a Concern for India?

The construction of the Yarlung Zangbo dam by China is a major concern for India due to teh following reasons:

Impact on Water Flow

• Potential Diversion of Water: China could manipulate the natural flow of the Brahmaputra, affecting agriculture and drinking water supplies in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.
• Unpredictable Flood Risks: Sudden water releases from the dam could lead to devastating floods in downstream areas of India and Bangladesh.

Lack of International Legal Framework

• No Binding Water Treaty: India and China are not signatories to the UN Watercourses Convention 1997, which ensures fair and reasonable water use.
• China’s History of Unilateral Actions: China has built multiple dams on transboundary rivers without consulting downstream nations.

Seismic and Ecological Risks

• Earthquake-Prone Zone: The Himalayan region is highly seismic, and a dam collapse could cause catastrophic floods in India.
• Loss of Biodiversity: Changes in sediment flow and water temperature can harm ecosystems, disrupt fisheries, and endanger aquatic life.

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Potential Water Weaponization

• China’s Control Over Flow: Water could be used as a geopolitical weapon during conflicts, either by releasing excess water or restricting supply.
• China’s Past Actions: During the 2017 Doklam standoff, China stopped sharing hydrological data, increasing flood risks in India.

Uncertainty in Water Data Sharing

• Expired MoUs: The water-sharing agreement between India and China has lapsed, limiting India’s access to real-time flow data.
• Need for Transparency: Without data, India cannot accurately predict floods, water availability, or ecological changes.

Bangladesh’s Shift Towards China

• Weak Opposition from Bangladesh: The fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024 has led to closer Dhaka-Beijing ties.
• Geopolitical Ramifications: A weakened India-Bangladesh partnership reduces India’s leverage in negotiating transboundary water issues.

Read the article on the Indus Water Treaty!

What should India do to Counter China’s Yarlung Zangbo Dam Construction?

India can adopt the following measures to overcome the concerns associated with the construction of the Yarlung Zangbo dam by China:

Renewing Water Agreements with China

• Push for new Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) to restore data-sharing agreements on Brahmaputra flows.
• Strengthen the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) for more structured discussions on water security.

Regional Water Cooperation

• Form a ‘Water Alliance’ with Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh to jointly counter China’s unilateral river policies.
• Explore the possibility of multilateral agreements to ensure equitable water-sharing in South Asia.

Read the article on the India China Border Clash! 

Diplomatic Engagement with China

• Integrate water security concerns into broader India-China border and trade negotiations.
• Use bilateral meetings to seek clarity on China’s future hydropower projects on the Brahmaputra.

Strengthening Domestic Water Resilience

• Invest in Water Storage: Build large-scale reservoirs to store excess water during monsoons for later use.
• Alternative Water Sources: Reduce dependence on Brahmaputra’s flow by developing inland water management projects.
• Flood Control Measures: Improve early warning systems and construct stronger embankments in vulnerable areas.

Raising the Issue in Global Forums

• Engage the UN and International Water Governance Bodies to highlight China’s opaque water management practices.
• Leverage Global Partnerships: Collaborate with countries affected by China’s hydropower ambitions (e.g., Mekong region nations) to present a unified front.

Read the article on the Teesta River Dispute Between India and Bangladesh! 

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UPSC Practice Question

hina’s hydroelectric projects on transboundary rivers have raised concerns for lower riparian states, including India. Discuss. (Ink in 150 words)