China has approved the construction of the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, triggering widespread concerns about its environmental, humanitarian, and geopolitical implications. The dam, once completed, will surpass the Three Gorges Dam in scale and capacity, generating three times its energy output.
The project, part of China’s long-term energy and development strategy, is touted by state media as a milestone in renewable energy generation that aligns with the nation’s climate neutrality goals. Proponents claim the dam will bolster China’s energy security, reduce carbon emissions, and provide economic benefits to the region. The dam will also serve as a symbol of China’s engineering and technological prowess, given the complex task of building in the challenging terrain of the Namcha Barwa mountain range.
Reports indicate that the dam will require digging at least four 20-kilometer-long tunnels to divert the river through the mountains. The Yarlung Tsangpo, known as the Brahmaputra River in India, is one of the world’s most powerful rivers, and its development could have significant downstream impacts.
Environmental experts warn that the dam could irreversibly damage the fragile Tibetan Plateau, one of the planet’s most important ecological zones. The plateau plays a critical role in regulating Asia’s water supply, earning it the nickname “Asia’s Water Tower.” The diversion of the river and the construction process could disrupt ecosystems, threaten endangered species, and alter the natural landscape.
The dam’s construction is expected to generate significant sedimentation and alter the flow of water downstream, which could have consequences for agriculture, biodiversity, and the livelihoods of millions in India and Bangladesh. Experts also fear that the project could exacerbate the effects of climate change, given the plateau’s sensitivity to rising temperatures.
The displacement of local Tibetan communities is a major concern. Although Chinese officials have yet to disclose the number of people who will be affected, previous projects like the Three Gorges Dam led to the relocation of 1.4 million people. Activists and human rights groups argue that such displacement could further marginalize Tibetans, who already face cultural suppression and economic exploitation under Chinese rule.
Critics have highlighted how large-scale infrastructure projects in Tibet often prioritize Chinese interests over local needs, leading to land loss, cultural erosion, and limited benefits for Tibetan communities. The dam is seen by many as another instance of China exploiting Tibetan resources while tightening its control over the region.
The Yarlung Tsangpo flows into India as the Brahmaputra River, which supports millions in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and neighboring Bangladesh. India and Bangladesh rely heavily on the river for agriculture, drinking water, and hydropower.
China’s control over the river’s flow raises fears of water manipulation, especially during times of drought or flooding. The project could give Beijing significant leverage over downstream nations, exacerbating existing tensions between China and India. Experts caution that the dam could become a flashpoint in the already strained Sino-Indian relationship, particularly given past clashes along their disputed border in the Himalayan region.
While Chinese state media have emphasized the dam’s environmental and economic benefits, international and domestic critics remain skeptical. Human rights activists argue that the project symbolizes the continued exploitation of Tibetan land and people, while environmentalists warn of the long-term consequences for Asia’s water security.
India and Bangladesh have expressed concerns about the project, with calls for greater transparency and dialogue to address the potential cross-border implications.
As construction moves forward, the world is closely watching this ambitious yet controversial project. Balancing development, environmental sustainability, and geopolitical stability will be critical in determining its ultimate legacy.
