China’s Parliament approved the 14th Five-Year Plan earlier this week, a mega blueprint containing billions of dollars worth of projects, over which India has raised concerns. The controversial hydropower project on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet close to the Arunachal Pradesh border included in the plan is one of India's worries.
The legislature of China's National People’s Congress (NPC) adopted the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) for national economic and social development and the long-range objectives through the year 2035, on the last day of its six-day session.
The 14th Five-Year plan included building the dam on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra river over which India and Bangladesh, the riparian States, have raised concerns. China has downplayed such anxieties saying it would keep their interests in mind.
The plan envisages building the dam at Medog county, where the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon is located. Medog is the last county in Tibet which borders Arunachal Pradesh.
Why China’s recent move is a worry for India
As a lower riparian State with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the Indian government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas.
India also fears that China’s activities in the Brahmaputra would disrupt downstream river flows, worsen shortages and even cause flash floods. Besides controlling the flow of the water, they could release large volumes of water in times of war. Also, China has been eyeing Arunachal Pradesh for a while and building huge projects near its borders would make it easier for Xi Jinping to assert a claim over the northeastern state.
India and China established the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) in 2006 to discuss various issues related to trans-border rivers. Under the pact, China provides data on water levels of the Brahmaputra river between May 15 and October 15 every year.
The Brahmaputra is a lifeline for the northeastern states in the country as it is their source of water. If China gains more control over the river, India may have to face consequences.
After China’s plan, New Delhi is also considering plans to build its own dam on the river to increase its water storage capacity and counter the impact of the Chinese project.
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