Assam raises alarm over Chinese dams on Brahmaputra
November 18, 2010 20:43 IST
Raising concern over China building dams on the Brahmaputra river (Yarlung Tsangpo river in China) in Assam, the state government on Thursday called for a river-water sharing treaty between India and China.
"We have taken a serious view of China building dams on the upstream of Brahmaputra river in Tibet and will request the Centre to keep a close watch on the development. We will request the Centre to sign a river-water sharing treaty with China to pave way for sharing of data on hydrological resources between the two countries," Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
He raised the alarm that construction of dam on the upstream of Brahmaputra in Tibet might lead to adverse downstream impact in northeastern states including Assam and pledged to place the matter before the Centre.
"The Assam government will conduct a study to understand the downstream affects on dams on the river in China by facilitating a thorough study by a team of experts. We will also urge the Centre to carry out a comprehensive study across the northeastern region," Gogoi said.
China's mega dams on the Brahmaputra river are likely to have an adverse impact on the downstream areas in India's northeast and Bangladesh, as the river that enters Bangladesh after traversing through India from China is a major source of livelihood for the region and is intricately linked with the lives and culture of its people.
Gogoi stated that the Assam government would oppose construction on any dams in Arunachal Pradesh that might have an adverse downstream impact in Assam.
K Anurag in Guwahati
