The new dam, known as the Motuo Hydropower Station, is set to surpass the Three Gorges Dam in size and energy generation, with an estimated cost of 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately $167 billion). The Chinese government says the project will prioritize environmental protection and bring economic upliftment to the local Tibetan population. However, observers warn it may bring significant ecological and geopolitical disruption. The river, which begins in Tibet, continues southward into India and Bangladesh, changing names as it flows — becoming the Siang in Arunachal Pradesh, then the Brahmaputra in Assam, and finally the Jamuna in Bangladesh.
Experts and regional leaders have raised alarm over China’s growing control of this critical waterway. A 2020 analysis from the Lowy Institute emphasized that whoever controls the rivers originating in Tibet holds significant leverage over South Asia’s water security, calling the situation a potential “chokehold” on India’s economy. Indian officials fear the dam could be used strategically, either to restrict water during critical agricultural seasons or to unleash massive floods during times of tension. Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Pema Khandu, described the project as an existential threat to his state, warning that sudden water releases could wipe out entire communities along the Siang River. He expressed concern not only about environmental harm but also the safety of Indigenous tribes like the Adi, who live along the riverbanks and rely heavily on the land.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs previously voiced its objections to the dam and emphasized the need for transparency and mutual consultation regarding projects on shared rivers. While China has acknowledged downstream concerns in past statements, it maintains the legal right to build dams within its territory. India is reportedly planning to construct a buffer dam of its own along the Siang River, intended to mitigate potential flood risks in case of sudden discharges from upstream.
Bangladesh has also sought clarification from Beijing. Earlier this year, Dhaka sent an official letter requesting details about the dam’s design and its implications for water availability. The country depends heavily on the Brahmaputra and Jamuna rivers for agriculture, fishing, and drinking water, and any significant change in flow could have far-reaching effects.
The Yarlung Tsangpo, considered the highest major river in the world, carves through one of the deepest gorges on Earth as it makes a dramatic U-turn around Namcha Barwa mountain. This sharp bend, often called “the Great Bend,” causes a steep drop in elevation—making the site ideal for high-output hydroelectric generation. Chinese engineers are reportedly planning to bore several 20-kilometre-long tunnels through the mountain to divert water and build a system of five connected power stations.
State media reports suggest that much of the electricity generated will be exported from Tibet to China’s eastern cities, as part of the national “xidiandongsong” policy—literally “send western electricity eastwards.” This initiative reflects President Xi Jinping’s long-term strategy of developing resource-rich western provinces to support the growing energy demands of the coastal industrial zones. Government outlets have promoted the dam as a clean energy solution that will support national development while raising living standards in Tibet.
Critics, however, see the initiative as yet another instance of exploitation of Tibetan land and resources. Activists point to the lack of consultation with local communities and a pattern of environmental degradation in recent dam projects. Protests have occasionally erupted across Tibetan regions in response to such developments, though they are typically suppressed quickly by authorities. Last year, hundreds of Tibetans who opposed the construction of another hydropower dam were arrested, with reports of beatings and serious injuries. These claims were supported by video evidence verified by independent sources, including the BBC.
Environmental scientists are also raising red flags. The region’s fragile ecosystem, renowned for its rich biodiversity, could be irreversibly damaged by large-scale flooding. Additionally, Tibet lies in a high seismic activity zone, making the construction of such massive dams a risky endeavor. Concerns have been raised about the structural integrity of future dams in the event of earthquakes, as well as the long-term safety of downstream communities.
The combination of ecological fragility, strategic river control, and regional mistrust has made the Motuo project one of the most controversial infrastructure efforts in Asia. While China has brushed aside these criticisms as politically motivated or exaggerated, the unease in Delhi and Dhaka continues to grow. With construction now underway, the region is entering a new and uncertain phase in the ongoing struggle over water, sovereignty, and survival.