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World’s Largest Hydroelectric Plant, China’s Project in Tibet Raises Alerts in India, Bangladesh, and Among Tribes Affected by River Damming
China has begun construction on one of the most ambitious projects in its recent history: the world’s largest hydroelectric plant, located on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibetan territory. The project, officially named the Motuo Hydroelectric Station, was inaugurated on Saturday (19) at a ceremony presided over by Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang.
According to Chinese officials, the project aims to promote local development and generate clean energy.
With an estimated cost of 1.2 trillion yuan, equivalent to about R$ 928 billion, the dam will surpass the current largest plant in the world, the Three Gorges dam, in size and capacity.
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When operational, the new hydroelectric facility could produce three times more energy than its predecessor.
Concerns About Neighboring Countries
Despite official speeches highlighting the benefits of the project, it has raised significant concerns among countries located downstream of the river, such as India and Bangladesh.
This is because the Yarlung Tsangpo crosses the Tibetan Plateau and flows southward, feeding important rivers that supply millions of people in these countries.
In January of this year, India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that the Indian government directly expressed its concerns to China regarding the impact of mega-dams.
India also emphasized the need for transparency and dialogue with affected countries. In response, the Chinese government reaffirmed that it has the “legitimate right” to dam the river and stated that the impacts had already been considered.
“Water Bomb” and Risks to Tribes
The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, India, Pema Khandu, stated in an interview that the effects of the dam could be devastating for local tribes.
According to him, the Siang and Brahmaputra rivers could “considerably dry up” once the reservoir is completed.
Khandu claimed that the project represents an “existential threat” to indigenous peoples in the region, such as the Adi tribe.
He warned of the risk that China could use the dam as a “water bomb,” releasing large volumes suddenly and flooding entire communities. “Our entire Siang belt will be destroyed,” he said.
Bangladesh Also Questions
Bangladesh, another country impacted by the river’s course, has also expressed its concern. In February, authorities from the country sent an official letter to China requesting more details about the construction and the expected effects of the dam.
The construction of large hydroelectric plants in Tibet has been a sensitive topic in the region. The site where the new dam will be installed is located in one of the deepest and most extensive canyons on the planet.
There, the Yarlung Tsangpo River makes a “U” turn around the Namcha Barwa mountain, in a steep drop in altitude, creating a scenario conducive to energy generation.
Tunnels and Five Cascade Power Plants
Previous reports had already indicated that the Chinese government planned to drill tunnels of up to 20 kilometers through the mountain, diverting part of the river.
Now, according to the Xinhua news agency, the plan is to build five cascade power stations, connected by works to “realign” the watercourse.
The electricity generated will be used both to supply Tibet and to send to other regions of the country.
This is part of President Xi Jinping’s policy known as “xidiandongsong,” which means “sending electricity from the west to the east,” prioritizing major Chinese cities.
Despite the official rhetoric about local prosperity, Tibetan activists argue that large energy projects serve to exploit the land and resources of the region, without considering social and environmental impacts. In previous episodes, protests against dams have resulted in arrests and assaults.
Last year, hundreds of Tibetans were detained after protests against another hydroelectric plant. According to a BBC investigation, there were injuries during police operations. The protests were harshly repressed, with the use of force.
World’s Largest Hydroelectric Plant: Environmental Issues
In addition to political and social tensions, experts warn about the environmental risks of the project. The valleys of Tibet, where the dam will be built, are recognized for their biodiversity.
There are concerns about flooding natural areas and the geological stability of the terrain, which has several seismic faults.
The construction of dams in this region could increase the risk of earthquakes, environmentalists warn.
The Motuo dam continues to be presented by China as a symbol of development and clean energy.
However, dissenting voices continue to echo in India, Bangladesh, and among Tibetans, who see the project as a direct threat to the survival of their rivers, cultures, and ways of life.
With information from BBC.
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