“History is witness that we cannot trust our neighbour (China)”, says CM Pema Khandu

By Tsering Dhundup

DHARAMSHALA, Sept 8: Chief Minister Pema Khandu of Arunachal Pradesh expressed deep concern over China’s plans to build a dam as part of a massive 60,000 MW hydropower project along the Siang River( Yarlung Tsangpo) in Tibet. This development has raised alarm within the Arunachal Pradesh government, as it poses a potential threat to the lives of those residing in the frontier state.

Acknowledging that both the central and state governments are closely monitoring this situation, Chief Minister Pema Khandu emphasized the need to safeguard the Siang River at all costs and maintain control over its flow.

Speaking at the Banggo Solung festival of the Adi community in East Siang district, Khandu stated “History is witness that we cannot trust our neighbour (China)”, emphasizing the unpredictability of their actions. He cited concerns that China could potentially divert the entire river’s flow, leading to the Siang’s drying up, or suddenly releasing water, causing catastrophic downstream flooding.

To address these concerns, Khandu proposed the construction of a dam on the Siang River within Arunachal Pradesh. This dam would serve a dual purpose; preserving water from local tributaries to maintain the natural flow of the Siang and protecting the state’s land from flash floods. Hydropower generation, while important, was deemed a secondary objective by the Chief Minister.

The Siang River, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, Brahmaputra in Assam, and Jamuna in Bangladesh, traverses a long and vital course, flowing from Tibet through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam before reaching Bangladesh and ultimately entering the Bay of Bengal. The recurring issue of land erosion caused by the Siang River during monsoons in the Mebo area was also a significant concern raised by Khandu. He emphasized that constructing a barrage on the river remains the most viable solution to control its course and flow.