China Approves World’s Largest Hydropower Dam on Brahmaputra

Current Context : China has approved the construction of the world’s largest dam and world’s biggest infra project in Medog region of Tibet

• Location: Medog region, Tibet; on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra).
• Capacity: Over three times larger than the Three Gorges Dam (current world’s largest).
• Purpose: Supports carbon neutrality goals, boosts industries, and creates jobs in Tibet.

India-China Water Mechanism:

• Expert Level Mechanism (ELM): Established in 2006 for trans-border river issues.
• Hydrological Data Sharing: China provides flood season data on Brahmaputra and Sutlej rivers.
• India’s Response: Building a hydropower dam on Brahmaputra in Arunachal Pradesh.