Assam CM Downplays Concerns Over China’s Brahmaputra Dam, Highlights River’s Multiple Origins

On July 21, Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma downplayed concerns over China’s $167.8 billion Brahmaputra hydropower project, saying the river isn’t solely dependent on Tibetan sources. While acknowledging uncertainties, he noted Brahmaputra’s main water comes from Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, and local rainfall. The massive dam, under construction in Tibet, has sparked fears in India and Bangladesh over possible ecological and geopolitical impacts. Sarma highlighted divided scientific opinions and said the Centre is best positioned to handle talks with China. The two nations currently exchange river data through the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM), with ongoing diplomatic engagement on water issues.