China Starts Building World's Largest Dam, Raising Regional Concerns

As per a report by BBC News, China has commenced construction of what is set to become the world’s largest hydropower dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. The project, expected to surpass the Three Gorges Dam in capacity, has triggered concerns in India and Bangladesh due to its potential downstream impact.

Experts warn that the dam could give China control over critical water flow into Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Bangladesh. Indian officials, including Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu, have termed it an existential threat to local communities.

In response, India is planning a buffer dam on the Siang river. Meanwhile, environmentalists have raised alarms over biodiversity loss, earthquake risks, and the displacement of Tibetans.

Despite objections, China maintains that the project will prioritise ecological protection and benefit regional development. The dam is part of a larger strategy to channel electricity from western regions to the country’s east.