Assam CM expresses concern over Brahmaputra ecosystem amidst China's Dam construction plans

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has voiced serious concerns regarding the potential ecological impacts of China's proposed dam construction on the Brahmaputra River. 

In his New Year’s press conference, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma speaking on the issue, highlighted the grave consequences for the river’s ecosystem and water availability.

“The Government of India is already aware of the matter and has communicated its concerns to China. I am confident this will be addressed in the ongoing India-China dialogue,” the Chief Minister stated.

Sarma warned that the dam could destabilize the Brahmaputra's ecosystem, reducing it to a fragile state heavily dependent on rainfall in Bhutan and Arunachal Pradesh. 

“If sufficient rainfall does not occur in these regions, the Brahmaputra could dry up completely. This poses a significant problem for us, and we have raised these concerns with the Government of India,” he emphasized.

Also Read: Assam: Akhil Gogoi warns of China's Brahmaputra dam as potential 'water bomb' threat

The Chief Minister's remarks underline the broader environmental and geopolitical implications of upstream infrastructure projects on transboundary rivers like the Brahmaputra, a critical lifeline for millions in Northeast India.

Earlier, Assam MLA Akhil Gogoi raised serious concerns regarding China's construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River. 

Gogoi alleges that Beijing intends to use the dam as an “organic weapon of war” against India, posing a threat to the sovereignty and security of the northeastern region. 

Gogoi described the dam as a potential “water bomb” that could have dire consequences for the northeast region.

The MLA claims that China could manipulate the water flow, either releasing or withholding it, to cause devastating floods or droughts in India's northeast. This manipulation is viewed as a strategic move to destabilize India without direct conflict.