China Dam On Brahmaputra Will Make Ecosystem Fragile, Warns Assam CM Himanta Sarma

Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma raised concerns about China's proposed dam on the Brahmaputra River, stating that it could disrupt the ecosystem.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma raised concerns over China's proposed dam project on Brahmaputra river.

Source : PTI

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has flagged concerns over China's proposed dam on the Brahmaputra in Tibet, saying the project will make the entire ecosystem fragile and dry. He also said the dam will make Assam depend on rainwater from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan. 

Sarma said the government of India has already communicated its concern to the Chinese side. 

"I am sure that in the dialogue process, which is presently going on between India and China, this will be raised by the Indian side," he said during a press conference in Guwahati on Wednesday. 

"We have already communicated that if this dam comes then the Brahmaputra ecosystem will become fragile and dry and then we will depend on the rainwater from Arunachal Pradesh and Bhutan," he added.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has also raised the issue with the government, Sarma noted. 

The Chinese government approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam last week on the Yarlung Tsangpo River, the Chinese name for the Brahmaputra, according to reports. The dam -- which can generate 60,000 MW of power, will span a gorge in the Himalayas in eastern Tibet. 

During the press conference, Sarma also expressed optimism after his recent visit to Bhutan which centered around the developing Geluphu mindfulness city near the Assam-Bhutan border. 

"For the entire southeast Asia, Gelephu mindfulness city will be a monumental development. It might be a crucial factor for the entire geography and economy," Sarma said, reported The Times of India. 

He said that the King of Bhutan discussed billion-dollar investments planned for the city, including an international airport and facilities for prominent global investors. 

"His Majesty, the King of Bhutan, is particularly keen to ensure Assam's benefit. He advocates that Assam should be the market. We should market both Gelephu and Assam together," he said.