Question : Dam on Brahmaputra by China

(a) whether China is constructing several dams on the Brahmaputra river which is affecting the river water and if so, the details thereof and steps taken/being taken to stop such activities;

(b) whether any mechanism of exchange of information on the Brahmaputra river has been evolved between two countries and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has consulted with China for evolving any mechanism to take stock of the situation in each other’s territory and to monitor the water sharing arrangement etc.; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
[GEN. (DR) V. K. SINGH (RETD)]


(a) to (d) Government, in close cooperation with various state governments which are users of the waters of Brahmaputra River, continues to carefully monitor the water flow in the River for early detection of abnormality so that corrective and preventive measures are taken to safeguard livelihood of peoples of these states of Union of India.

As a lower riparian State with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, Government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities, including at the highest levels, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream States are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas.

The Chinese side has conveyed that they are only undertaking run-of-the-river hydropower projects which do not involve diversion of the waters of the Brahmaputra.

Various issues relating to trans-border rivers are discussed with China under the ambit of an institutionalized Expert Level Mechanism which was established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels. Further, under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding, China provides to India hydrological information of Brahmaputra River during flood seasons. This Memorandum was recently renewed during the visit of the Prime Minister of India to China in June 2018.

Government intends to remain engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard our interests.
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