India Responds to China's Plans for World’s Largest Dam on Brahmaputra River

IN
Published:

New Delhi has reacted strongly in light of Beijing's recent announcement regarding the construction of what is set to be the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, also known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet. The proposed dam, which will be situated in a sensitive ecological zone near the India-Tibet border, is expected to be three times larger than China's existing Three Gorges Dam.

India's Ministry of External Affairs expressed significant concern over the environmental impact and potential disruption of river flow that could lead to severe droughts and floods affecting millions in the northeastern states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. The spokesperson for the ministry emphasized that India holds established rights to the river's waters and will continue to monitor developments closely.

Beijing's project falls within its 14th five-year plan, with an ambition to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, at an expected cost of USD 137 billion. However, the lack of concrete information regarding the resettlement of populations affected by the displacement raises additional fears for India.

In an effort to safeguard its interests, India is urging China to ensure the transparency of its actions and consultation with downstream countries, reinforcing the need to protect the rights of lower riparian states amid this significant geopolitical issue.

The construction of this dam has the potential to escalate tensions between India and China, leading to what some experts are calling the seeds of "water wars" in the region.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from India

Child Labor and Forced Labor Uncovered in India's Cotton Fields

An investigation reveals alarming instances of child exploitation and forced labor among cotton pickers in India, particularly in the Madhya Pradesh region. According to the NGO Transparentem, which surveyed 90 farms over ten months, nearly half of them employ forced labor, affecting many children. Workers, often indebted to their employers, earn approximately 2.4 USD per day, leading entire families, including children, to harvest cotton to repay loans. The report highlights connections between these farms and major cotton suppliers like Pratibha Syntex and Remei Group, prompting brands such as Inditex and H&M to sever ties and join the Fair Labor Association to monitor conditions. Inditex stated their commitment to improving worker conditions in the sector, highlighting ongoing collaborations with organizations like the International Labour Organization to enforce labor rights. This investigation follows longstanding concerns from the U.S. State Department regarding labor practices in India’s cotton industry, emphasizing that modern slavery persists despite international efforts.
IN

Innovative Watch Saves Over 100,000 Newborns from Hypothermia

An innovative temperature-tracking watch, developed by Ratul Narain, has reportedly saved over 100,000 premature newborns from the threat of hypothermia, a leading cause of neonatal mortality. According to data, India had the highest number of preterm births in 2020, highlighting the urgent need for effective neonatal care. The device, known as Bempu, signals caregivers when a baby's body temperature falls to dangerous levels, helping prevent serious complications. Narain, who was raised in the U.S., dedicated himself to this cause after witnessing the challenges faced by premature infants. His work has gained recognition, being named one of TIME Magazine’s 25 Best Inventions. In interviews, Narain explained that the watch has not only transformed individual cases of neonatal care but has also set a precedent for future healthcare innovations in India. The Bempu watch's impact extends beyond national borders, as its implementation is being explored in various countries to enhance the survival rates of vulnerable newborns.
IN

Scientists Discover 'Dark Oxygen' in Pacific Ocean, Challenging Long-Standing Theories

Researchers have identified a unique phenomenon known as "dark oxygen" produced by certain rocks in the Pacific Ocean, challenging the conventional belief that oxygen generation is solely dependent on photosynthesis. According to the study, these polymetallic nodules, resembling coal piles at ocean depths, can generate oxygen through electrochemical reactions without sunlight. Traditionally, oxygen in the ocean has been understood to arise from marine plankton, algae, and bacteria that require sunlight for photosynthetic processes. This discovery indicates that oxygen can also be produced in environments where sunlight is absent, potentially supporting aerobic life in deep, oxygen-poor regions. The oxygen production occurs through interactions between the rare metal deposits on the ocean floor and saltwater, facilitating the splitting of water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen and oxygen. Researchers believe that this revelation expands our understanding of oxygen generation, potentially reshaping scientific theories regarding deep-sea ecosystems. The findings present a significant breakthrough in marine science, illustrating the complex interactions of geological and biological processes that govern life in the ocean's dark depths.
IN
All India News ->