Al Mamun Harun Ur Rashid :
The planned mega hydropower project in Tibet, initiated by the Chinese government, has raised concerns as Bangladesh shares the Yarlung Zangbo River – known as the Brahmaputra in its lower course – a vital lifeline supporting the country’s ecology and biodiversity.
The Yarlung Zangbo transforms into the Brahmaputra River as it flows out of Tibet, moving southward into India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Assam states before reaching Bangladesh.
Experts have highlighted that, as per international norms, China should inform downstream countries like Bangladesh before constructing barrages or dams on shared rivers. However, such communication has yet to occur.
According to the Power Construction Corp of China, the proposed dam, located in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo, could produce 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
While the full impact of the hydropower dam is not yet clear, experts stress the need for intensive discussions among countries in the Yarlung Zangbo-Brahmaputra River basin to ensure mutual benefits rather than disadvantages.
“There is still no barrage on the Brahmaputra. However, the proposed hydropower dam in Tibet has raised concerns for India and Bangladesh as lower riparian countries, even though it will generate electricity through the cyclical flow of water,” explained Sheikh Rokon, Secretary General of Riverine People, to The New Nation on Thursday.
Sheikh Rokon elaborated on potential risks associated with such dams, explaining that their construction can result in two major consequences. Firstly, it may cause water loss. Water stored in a dam’s reservoir leads to evaporation losses, estimated at around 5 per cent.
Secondly, it may also cause sediment disruption. Rivers carry sediment, or “silt,” which is crucial for ecological balance, land formation, and the river’s structural integrity.
While water may flow downstream for power generation, sediment often gets trapped in the dam, leading to adverse effects such as increased erosion, disruption of fish habitats, and reduced land formation downstream.
The expert added that the main flow of the Brahmaputra comes from rain-fed regions in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, while Tibet primarily contributes water through melting ice.
Former Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority (BIWTA) Director Md Emdadul Haque also expressed concerns, noting that the Tibet project could impact Bangladesh, as the Brahmaputra is a shared river among China, India, and Bangladesh.
“Bangladesh must engage in dialogue with China and seek clarity on potential downstream effects. Experts need to act promptly at both national and international levels,” he advised.
Sheikh Rokon outlined several measures Bangladesh should consider such as prioritising the Brahmaputra. Policymakers must understand the critical importance of the Brahmaputra River, which holds greater significance than the Ganga or Teesta in terms of flow impact. Bangladesh should consider reassess water contributions.
The contribution of water from China and India to the Brahmaputra must be recalculated, emphasising that it is a shared river. Bangladesh should also promote Basin-Wide Discussions.
Dialogue should extend beyond bilateral talks with India or China, involving all countries in the basin-China, Bhutan, India, and Bangladesh.
It should adopt International Safeguards: Bangladesh should sign and ratify key international conventions on transboundary rivers, such as the UN Watercourses Convention and the UN Water Convention, to strengthen its position.
“Upstream countries may have certain privileges, but downstream nations must make the most of every possible advantage,” Sheikh Rokon emphasised.
India and Bangladesh have expressed apprehension that the project could alter not only local ecology but also the river’s flow and course downstream. According to a Reuters report, these concerns highlight the need for greater transparency and collaboration in managing shared water resources.
Bangladesh’s proactive engagement with upstream countries and multilateral forums will be critical to safeguarding its interests and ensuring sustainable use of the Brahmaputra River for future generations.
