Question : DAM ON BRAHMAPUTRA

(a) whether the Government is aware of any hydro power projects planned on the YarlungTsangpo river of China and diversion of the river water by the Chinese authorities;

(b) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto;

(c) whether due to such diversion/construction on the part of China, there will be much more magnified incidence of flood events in the North-East of India;

(d) if so, whether the Government has taken any steps to pursue with China to stop such construction; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR WATER RESOURCES, RIVER DEVELOPMENT AND GANGA REJUVENATION; PARLIAMENTARY AFFAIRS AND TEXTILES (INDEPENDENT CHARGE). (SHRI SANTOSH KUMAR GANGWAR)

(a)to(c) Government of India is aware of construction activity on YarlungTsangpo/Brahmaputra river at Zangmu on the Chinese side which is a Run of the River (RoR) hydroelectric project. Recently released ‘Outline of the 12th Five Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development of the People’s Republic of China’ indicates that three more hydropower projects on the main stream of the YarlungTsangpo/ Brahmaputra River in Tibet Autonomous Region have been approved for implementation by the Chinese Authorities. As these four projects are considered to be Run of the River (RoR) hydro-electric projects, any significant change on flow of water in the North-East of India is not expected.

(d & e) Government of India monitors developments on the Brahmaputra River. As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the River, India has conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, including at the highest levels of the Government of the People’s Republic of China. India has urged China to ensure that the interests of downstream States are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas.