Impact of Dams Constructed by China
As a lower riparian State with considerable established user rights to the waters of the River, India has conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese Authorities, including at the highest levels of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. India has urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream States are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas.
Government carefully monitors all developments on the Brahmaputra River. According to reports, Zangmu hydroelectric project has been fully operationalized in October, 2015. The ‘Outline of the 12th Five Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China’ indicates that three more hydropower projects on the main stem of the Brahmaputra River in Tibet Autonomous Region have been approved for implementation by the Chinese Authorities. These four projects are considered to be run of the River (RoR) hydro-electric projects.
In 2006, the two sides established an India-China Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) on Trans-border Rivers. In October, 2013, the two Governments signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Strengthening Cooperation on Trans-border Rivers. Subsequently, the Joint Statement issued during the visit of Prime Minister of India to China in May, 2015 states, “The two sides will further strengthen cooperation through the Expert-Level Mechanisms, on the provision of flood season hydrological data and emergency management, and exchange views on other issues of mutual interest.
This information was given by Union Minister of State for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation Prof. Sanwar Lal Jat in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Samir/jk