India Challenges China’s Dam Plans with Strategic Project Launch

The Indian government has launched a significant initiative aimed at countering China’s ambitious plans for the development of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River. On May 21, 2023, engineers from the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) transported drilling equipment to Beging village in Arunachal Pradesh, where they began preliminary studies for the proposed Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (SUMP). This strategic project aims to construct a dam that will not only generate power but also serve as a crucial reservoir to address potential water diversion by China.

Local opposition to the dam is growing, particularly from the Adi community, who have expressed concerns about the environmental and social impacts of the project. Reports indicate that protestors blocked access to Beging by cutting off its only hanging bridge, damaging drilling equipment, and effectively halting survey work. In response to escalating tensions, local authorities temporarily suspended operations to avoid further confrontation in this sensitive border area.

Strategic Water Management and Local Impact

The SUMP is estimated to cost approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore and includes a proposed dam standing at 267 meters high, with a storage capacity of 9.2 billion cubic meters. This project is expected to generate 1,000 megawatts of electricity, providing 12 percent of its output as free electricity to Arunachal Pradesh, along with revenue sharing benefits. These developments coincide with China’s announcement of its own dam project on the Brahmaputra, a move that has raised alarm in India.

Arunachal Pradesh’s Chief Minister Pema Khandu expressed serious concerns regarding the potential implications of the Chinese dam, stating on July 9, 2023, that it poses an “existential threat” to local tribes and livelihoods. He described the risk of China using the dam as a “water bomb,” highlighting the urgent need for India’s defensive strategy in a region marked by geopolitical tensions.

While the Indian government remains committed to the SUMP, questions linger about its effectiveness as a deterrent against China’s water management strategies. Critics warn that such projects could exacerbate environmental vulnerabilities in the Eastern Himalayas, an area already facing significant ecological challenges.

A Broader Context of Regional Water Management

The construction of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project and its timing reflect India’s response to China’s increasing influence over shared water resources in the region. As both nations navigate their complex relationship, the situation underscores the importance of strategic water management in the Eastern Himalayas.

The ongoing developments have significant implications for not just regional politics but also for the communities directly affected by these large-scale infrastructure projects. As tensions rise, the focus on responsible and sustainable management of water resources will be paramount in ensuring the well-being of local populations and the environment.

The situation continues to evolve, and further responses from both governments are anticipated as they balance development needs with environmental and social considerations.