The prevailing tensed Indo-China relationship is all set for a further downslide if the media reports that say that the neighbour is going to construct a mega hydropower project on Yarlung Zangbo river (Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Brahmaputra in Assam) is to be believed. It is feared the project will bring far-reaching negative ramifications for India with Arunachal and Assam the first-hand sufferers in terms of ecology and livelihoods of people dependent directly or indirectly on the waters of the river. New Delhi should take up the issue fast with Beijing and simultaneously launch a suo motu detailed study of the possible impact. If the findings are disturbing, an appropriate course of action must be taken without delay.

Although it might appear that the plan has burst on the scene all of a sudden now, a rewind of the past will tell it was actually in the offing since 2010. Nonetheless, it has been brought to the fore and the ultimate purpose, as experts are opining is to use it as a strategic tool for expansion of control over the subcontinent with India as the principal target. Expectedly, the narrative China is trying to construct centres around the issues of development and concern towards environment. Labelling the project “historic”, the neighbour has attempted its justification by placing it in the light of the pressing issue of environment. The exact claim is that through exploitation of the 60-million kWh hydropower potential of the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo river (technically quite near to the upstream of Siang), a mind-boggling 300 billion kWh of clean, renewable and zero-carbon electricity could be generated annually which will consequently play a significant role in realizing China’s goal of reaching a carbon emissions peak before 2030 and carbon neutrality in 2060. This is a clever plan to garner international support by showing concern to the world environment and how far it’s true needs to be examined by experts. But, if it comes at the cost of Arunachal’s and Assam’s ecological devastation, it’s of huge concern then.

It’s pertinent to mention that China's hydropower development history will invoke little confidence. Its hydropower projects on the upper reaches of Mekong river, a life source for 60 million people in Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand have been under scanner with the blame that they caused abnormal weather patterns and reduced water supply in down streams. China-backed multibillion-dollar Myitsone dam project in Myanmar was also stalled for years due to local resistance.

Central government must take the matter seriously and to stop China it must launch an immediate hunt for global support. It’s certain that there is a lot more to it than meets the eye. On the pretext of pursuing global environmental concern, the ever-hostile neighbour mustn’t be allowed to inflict permanent damage to India’s Northeast. 

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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