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Reports of construction of a Dam on Brahmaputra
River by China
In response to a media query on reports of construction of a Chinese Dam
on Brahmaputra River and Possibility of Diversion, EAM stated the following:
“Recent reports about Chinese plans to construct a dam on the Brahmaputra and
possibly divert the river waters to Northern China are not new but based on
previously known facts. It is a fact that China is constructing a dam at Zangmu
in the middle reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo (as the Brahmaputra is called in
Tibet). We have ascertained from our own sources that this is a run of the
river hydro-electric project, which does not store water and will not adversely
impact the downstream areas in India. Therefore, I believe there is no cause
for immediate alarm. I would like to share with you the fact that a large
proportion of the catchment of the Brahmaputra is within Indian territory. It
is important that the States of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam of India harness
and utilize the waters of the Brahmaputra. This is the really important issue.”
The Chinese foreign office stated, "China adopts a responsible
attitude towards the development of cross border water resources ,"
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Hong Lei told a media briefing."We
adopt a policy that protection goes together with development, and take into
full consideration the interests of downstream countries," he said. In
March, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Jiang Yu said China proposed to
build a dam on Brahmaputra but not a "very big one" to cause concern
for neighbouring countries India and Bangladesh, which avail the waters.
"At present, the hydro power station on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra)
river is not a very big one and will not lead to any big change in the
downstream water levels or affect the harnessing efforts by the downstream
countries," she said. [MEA India and Media reports].
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