China’s Mega Dam on Yarlung Tsangpo Sparks “Water Bomb” Alarm in India by Arunachal CM

Arunachal Pradesh CM Pema Khandu has strongly warned that China’s plan to build the world’s largest dam (60 GW, ~$137 bn) on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra upstream) poses a grave downstream threat. He cautioned that Beijing could use the dam to control water flow—lowering levels during winters and triggering devastating floods during monsoons—potentially endangering millions in Arunachal, Assam, and Bangladesh. Khandu described the structure as a potential “water bomb”, citing past incidents of sudden reservoir releases causing destruction in the Siang region. He emphasized China’s non‑participation in international water treaties and selective sharing of hydrological data as further cause for concern. India has responded by fast-tracking its own Siang Upper Multipurpose Project (11 GW) to ensure water security and reduce downstream dependence on Chinese-controlled flows. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju termed the project a strategic necessity to mitigate floods and secure national interests along the Line of Actual Control. While about 70 % of locals currently support the Siang dam, concerns remain among indigenous communities and environmental groups. Analysts stress the urgent need for hydro-diplomacy with China and international cooperation to prevent the dam from becoming a geopolitical threat.