New Delhi [India], March 27 (ANI): Minister of State at the Ministry of External Affairs
Kirti Vardhan Singh
highlighted on Thursday that India is closely monitoring
China
‘ s intentions to advance hydroelectric initiatives along River
Brahmaputra
, safeguarding the nation’s interests.

In reply to a question raised in the Rajya Sabha,
Kirti Vardhan Singh
mentioned that the authorities are keeping track of all advancements concerning the river and implementing essential actions to protect the well-being and economic activities of Indians residing in lower-lying regions.

Fauzia Khan, who is part of the Rajya Sabha, questioned Singh about whether
mega dam
received approval from the Chinese authorities.

“The government closely tracks all advancements pertaining to the
Brahmaputra
river, including plans by
China
To advance hydroelectric initiatives, we will implement essential steps to secure our interests, encompassing both preventative and remedial actions aimed at protecting the lives and livelihoods of Indian citizens living in regions situated below these projects,” he stated.

The suggested dam, situated on the
Yarlung Tsangpo
River in Tibet, is expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, making it the world’s largest hydropower project 1. However, India is worried about the potential impact on water availability, silt deposition, and biodiversity in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

“The Government of India has acknowledged
China
‘s announcement of a
mega dam
The project was approved for the areas downstream.
Yarlung Tsangpo
(upper reaches of the
Brahmaputra
“River in Tibet,” Singh stated.

India has expressed its worries to
China
, highlighting the importance of openness and discussions with nations located downstream.

“After the latest statement made by
China
of the
mega dam
The Government expressed its worries to the Chinese authorities on December 30, 2024, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication with nations located downstream, as mentioned by him.

The matter was also brought up when the Foreign Secretary visited Beijing for the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister dialogue mechanism between India and China.
China
On January 26-27, 2025,” he stated.

Singh mentioned that problems concerning transboundary water bodies come up during their discussions.
China
within the scope of a formalized high-level framework.

Different aspects concerning cross-boundary waterways are explored.
China
Under the framework of an institutionalized Expert Level Mechanism set up in 2006, along with utilizing diplomatic pathways, “Being a nation located downstream with substantial recognized water usage rights for cross-border rivers, our government has persistently communicated its perspectives and worries to Chinese authorities. We have also pressed them to guarantee that the interests of countries situated further downriver are not adversely affected by actions taken in upper regions,” he stated.

The government has likewise consented to convene an earlier session.
China
To talk about restarting the exchange of water data and working together on rivers that flow between countries.

“During the visit, India and [subject]”
(Note: The sentence seems incomplete as “[subject]” appears without proper closure or continuation. Please provide more information for accurate paraphrasing.)
China
agreed to convene an early session of the Expert Level Mechanism to address the resumption of hydrometeorological data sharing and other collaborations concerning cross-border waterways. The Indian administration continues to stay involved in these discussions.
China
“On the matter of cross-border rivers, we must protect our interests,” he stated.

The
Brahmaputra
A river serves as an essential water supply, facilitating farming, fishing, and inland navigation in India’s northeast regions. Nonetheless,
China
The suggested large-scale dam initiative on the river has sparked worries regarding possible effects on downstream water distribution, sediment buildup, and ecosystem diversity.

To offset the possible effects of
China
‘s dam, India is planning a 10 GW hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh. This project aims to ensure water security, flood control, and regional economic development. (ANI)