China Begins Construction of World's Largest Dam on Brahmaputra River in Tibet

On 19th July, China commenced the construction of the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River in southeastern Tibet. The project was approved by China in December last year. The significance of this project for China was underscored by the presence of Chinese Premier Li Qiang at the foundation laying ceremony.

According to China's state news agency Xinhua, the electricity generated from this dam will meet the local power needs in Tibet as well as supply other regions. China has described the project as a step towards carbon neutrality goals and regional development in Tibet.

The World's Largest Dam

This dam on the Brahmaputra will be the largest in the world. Currently, the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River holds that record. The Brahmaputra dam is expected to generate several times more electricity than the Three Gorges Dam. However, the project has raised concerns in India.

With an estimated cost of approximately $167 billion, the dam's construction may impact the water flow and ecology of the Brahmaputra river system. This could affect India and Bangladesh downstream. India had expressed concerns following China’s approval of the project.

China has assured that the dam will not have adverse effects on the downstream regions. The project includes five hydroelectric power stations. The construction began after a ceremony in Ningchi city, close to Arunachal Pradesh.