India Fast-Tracks Arunachal Dams, Expedites Stalled Projects Fearing Water War By China.

• In response to Chinese dams being built in north-east, India has initiated its biggest hydroelectric project in Upper Subansiri in Arunachal Pradesh (AR) to reduce the adverse effects of Chinese dam.
• Also, India is moving three stalled hydro projects in AP for possible allocation to National Hydroelectric Power Corporation after recommendations of evaluation committee and in-principle permission by Ministry of Power.
• China plans to construct 60,000MW hydropower project on Yarlung Zangbo (Brahmaputra) at Medog on border with Arunachal.
• After construction, China plans to divert Brahmaputra water from the project to its northern arid region.
• Three more projects i.e., 640 MW project at Dagu, 710 MW project at Bayu & 800 MW project at Zhongyu is in advance stage of planning.

Concerns associated with increasing Chinese infrastructure

• Impact lower riparian states, particularly India including environmental consequences.
• Diversion of water could strain India’s agricultural need in northeast region.
• Use of water infrastructure as a form of territorial demarcation and control.
• Causes flood like situation in Assam and AR.

About Brahmaputra River

• It originates from Kailash ranges of Himalayas. After flowing through Tibet, it enters India through AP and flows through Assam and Bangladesh before joining Bay of Bengal.
• It accounts for around 30 percent of India’s freshwater resources and 40 percent of its whole hydropower potential.
• Tributaries: Subansiri, Borgong, Dhansiri(North) Manas, etc on North bank; and Noadehing, Buridehing, Desang, Dikhow, Bhogdoi etc on South Bank.