Chinese Dam Threatens Water War with India

India is concerned about the construction of a large Chinese dam in Tibet, which could reduce the flow of the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra) river into India. New Delhi is accelerating the construction of its own dam on the Siang River to counter the consequences.

The Chinese dam, costing $170 million, is estimated to reduce the flow to India by up to 85%, or 40 billion cubic meters of water per year. India fears that China could use water as a political weapon.

The Indian dam on the Siang River will have a capacity of 14 billion cubic meters and will allow India to release water during the dry season. It will also prevent flooding if China opens the floodgates of its own dam.

An official from the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed his country's concerns at a meeting with his Chinese counterpart, but Beijing dismissed the reservations. A spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry said the project has undergone thorough scientific study.

Experts warn that the Chinese dam is being built in a seismically active area, increasing the risks for communities downstream.