Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday moved to assuage public fears about China's ambitious plans to construct the world's largest dam on the Brahmaputra River.
He told reporters that there's no cause for panic in the near term, pointing out that the majority of the river's flow is sourced from Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh.
Speaking to the media at an event in Assam, Sarma said that the full implications of the gigantic Chinese dam, whose construction officially commenced last week, are yet to be known because there has been conflicting expert advice. Sarma was also optimistic that either the Indian government is already in talks with China or will soon enter into discussions with the country.
China broke ground on the record USD 167.8 billion dam on Saturday in Tibet, close to the Arunachal Pradesh boundary—fuelling concerns about possible ramifications downstream in India.
"It is not very worrying for me at this point because the Brahmaputra river is a strong river and does not depend on a single water source," Sarma said.
When asked about how the dam could affect Assam, he said that it's premature to say if the result will be good or bad. "The Brahmaputra gets the majority of its waters from Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh, and from rains and other sources in Assam itself," he said.
The Chief Minister explained that scientific opinion is currently divided on the issue. “One perspective suggests that if China alters the river’s flow, it could reduce water levels and harm biodiversity. However, another view argues that lower water volume might actually help reduce the intensity of floods. So, I’m not certain which theory will hold true,” Sarma said.
He concluded saying that the federal government is in the best position to assess the situation and act accordingly. "I am sure that they must already be talking to China or are likely to sit down with the immediate neighbour," he added.
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