Chinese Whispers What China's planned mega-dam means for Asia
Feb 24, 2025
In this discussion, Isabel Hilton, journalist and founder of Dialogue Earth, joins Neeraj Singh Manhas, an expert on transboundary rivers, to unpack the implications of China's new mega-dam in Medog County. They dive into the geopolitical tensions this project raises for India and Bangladesh, focusing on shared water resources. The conversation highlights ecological concerns and the urgent need for cooperative water management in light of climate challenges. Their insights shed light on the delicate balance of power in Asia's water politics.
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Mega-Dam Implications
- China plans to build a mega-dam in Medog County, Tibet, projected to generate three times more energy than the Three Gorges Dam.
- This has raised concerns across Asia, as the dam's location on the Yarlung Tsangpo River affects downstream nations like India and Bangladesh.
River Politics
- There's no source-to-sink river agreement on the Yarlung Tsangpo, despite flowing through populous countries.
- This creates suspicion between upstream and downstream nations, with each viewing the river as a national resource and fearing water theft.
Impact of Dams
- Dam construction has significant human and ecological consequences.
- Displacement, soil erosion, damage to aquatic life, and destruction of habitats are major concerns.