New Delhi:
The Government of the Union “took note” on the announcement of China of a mega dam project in the lower sections of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (superior scope of the Brahmaputra) in the Autonomous Region of the Tibet, the center reported on Thursday the Parliament.
The Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to a consultation in Rajya Sabha, also said that several problems related to the trans borders rivers are discussed with China under the scope of a “mechanism of institutionalized expert level “, which was established in 2006, as well as through diplomatic channels.
The Ministry was asked if China’s decision to build a hydroelectric dam on the Brahmaputra river, which flows to India and Bangladesh, has expressed concern about its potential impact in millions of people living downstream.
“The Government of India has taken note of China’s announcement from a Mega dam project approved in the lower sections of the Yarlung Tsangpo River (superior scope of the Brahmaputra River) in the Autonomous Region of Tibet,” he said.
As a lower riverside with considerable user rights established on the waters of the Transbolder rivers, the government “has constantly transmitted their views and concerns to the Chinese authorities”, and has urged them to ensure that the interests of the states subsequent “are not harmed. For any activity in upstream areas,” said the minister.
“After the recent announcement by China of the Mega Dam project, we have amplified our concerns and demand them on December 30, 2024, even about the need for transparency and consultation with later countries,” he said.
The problem was also raised during the visit of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, Vikram Misri, for Beijing for a meeting of the Mechanism of the Foreign Minister of the Secretary of Foreign Affairs, he said.
During the visit, the two countries agreed to celebrate an early meeting of the expert level mechanism to discuss the resumption of the provision of hydrological data and other cooperation related to the trans-borders, Singh said in his response.
The Ministry was also asked about the measures that India is taking to commit to China to address ecological stability and water flow in the northeast states and to guarantee international principles to share water.
“The Government of India intends to remain committed to China on the issue of trans-borders to safeguard our interests. The government carefully monitors all developments related to the Brahmaputra river, including China’s plans to develop hydroelectric projects , and take the necessary measures to protect our interests, including preventive and corrective measures to safeguard the life and livelihood of Indian citizens who reside in subsequent areas, “he added.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a union feed).
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