India has asked China to share water flow data before proceeding with the world’s largest dam in Tibet. The matter was raised prominently during the 36th meeting of the Working Mechanism on Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi on Friday.
Dam raises Brahmaputra concerns
India’s concern over the Brahmaputra grew after China announced plans to build its biggest-ever dam project on the river. Reports suggest China may spend about 1.2 trillion yuan, or $178 billion, on the dam. Officials fear it could reduce the flow of the Brahmaputra, which runs through India’s north-east downstream.
The new dam in Tibet could generate about three times more electricity than the Three Gorges Dam, currently the world’s largest.
Expert mechanism talks sought
India also pushed for an early next meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers. The mechanism was set up in 2006 to discuss issues around rivers shared by the two countries.
Peace on the border
The foreign ministry said both sides agreed to maintain peace and stability along the disputed border. They will continue using existing diplomatic and military channels for talks. Both nations also agreed to avoid misunderstandings and miscalculations on the frontier.
The WMCC meeting came days after reports of the mega dam project in Tibet. Water sharing between India and China remains a sensitive topic, with rivers like the Brahmaputra and Sutlej flowing from the Tibetan plateau into Indian territory.
