Why in NEWS?
China’s ongoing hydroelectric projects on the Brahmaputra River have triggered concerns in India over potential disruptions in water flow and ecological stability.
Key Concepts Explained
| Term/Concept | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Brahmaputra River | A major transboundary river originating in Tibet (Yarlung Tsangpo), flowing through India and Bangladesh. |
| Medog Hydro Project | A large Chinese hydroelectric project near the ‘Great Bend’ in Tibet, close to Indian border. |
| Great Bend | U-shaped turn of the Brahmaputra near Namcha Barwa peak before it enters India. |
| Catchment Area | The region from which all precipitation flows to a single stream or river. |
| Tributary | A smaller river or stream that flows into a larger one. |
| River Linking Project | Connecting rivers through canals to redistribute water from surplus to deficit areas. |
| Teesta River | A major tributary of the Brahmaputra, crucial to India-Bangladesh water-sharing talks. |
Simple Breakdown of the News
- China is building dams on the Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) near the Indian border.
- The Medog project could disrupt downstream water flow into Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
- Ecological impacts include disturbed flood patterns and biodiversity loss in regions like Kaziranga.
- The Brahmaputra is essential to India’s water security, with 30% of total freshwater and 41% hydropower potential.
- India’s river-linking plans (e.g., Manas-Sankosh-Teesta-Ganga) are unlikely to be impacted due to their strategic design.
Key Facts: Brahmaputra River System
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Origin Name (Tibet) | Yarlung Tsangpo |
| Source | Chemayungdung Glacier, Kailash range near Mansarovar Lake |
| Name in Arunachal Pradesh | Siang or Dihang |
| Entry Point in India | West of Sadiya town, Arunachal Pradesh |
| Countries Covered | China (Tibet), India, Bhutan, Bangladesh |
| Indian States Covered | Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, West Bengal, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim |
| Boundaries in India | North & West: Himalayas; East: Patkai Hills; South: Assam Hills |
| Total Length | 2,900 km |
| Length in India | 916 km |
| Name in Bangladesh (Post Teesta) | Jamuna River |
| Confluence with Ganga | At Goalundo Ghat (Padma River formed) |
| Final Outflow | Bay of Bengal (via Meghna) |
| Delta Formed | Sunderbans Delta (with Ganges & Meghna) |
| Right Bank Tributaries | Lohit, Dibang, Subansiri, Jiabharali, Dhansiri (R), Manas, Torsa, Sankosh, Teesta |
| Left Bank Tributaries | Burhidihing, Desang, Dikhow, Dhansiri (L), Kopili |
| River Islands | Majuli (world’s largest), Umananda (world’s smallest) |
| Rainfall Contribution (India) | ~2,371 mm annually |
| Rainfall Contribution (Tibet) | ~300 mm annually |
| Water Resource Contribution | >30% of India’s total water potential |
| Hydropower Potential | 41% of India’s total (majority from Arunachal) |
| Ecological Zones | Deciduous forests, floodplains |
| Notable Wildlife Areas | Kaziranga National Park, Manas National Park |
| Planned River Linking Projects | Manas–Sankosh–Teesta–Ganga Link & Jogighopa–Teesta–Farakka Link |
| Strategic Note | Despite China’s upstream dams, river-linking plans may remain unaffected due to downstream design and rainfall dependency |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code: “BIG TEA CUP”
Brahmaputra, India’s Water Giant, Great Bend near Tibet,
Teesta joins later, Ecological risks,
Arunachal’s lifeline, China’s dam worry,
Upstream meddling, Powerful flow!
Prelims Practice Questions
- Consider the following statements:
- The Brahmaputra originates in India.
- It contributes to the formation of the Sunderbans delta.
- Teesta is a right-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra.
Which of the above is/are correct?
a) 1 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 2 only
d) 1 and 3 only
- Which of the following is a left-bank tributary of the Brahmaputra?
a) Subansiri
b) Manas
c) Teesta
d) Burhidihing - The Medog Hydro Project is located in which of the following?
a) Assam
b) Arunachal Pradesh
c) Bhutan
d) Tibet (China)
Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the geopolitical and ecological implications of Chinese hydroelectric projects on the Brahmaputra for India. (GS Paper 2 – International Relations)
- The Brahmaputra is both a challenge and an opportunity for India’s water resource management. Elaborate. (GS Paper 3 – Environment/Resources)
Prelims Answers and Explanations
| Qn | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | b) 2 and 3 only | Brahmaputra originates in Tibet. Teesta is a right-bank tributary and joins before forming the Padma. |
| 2 | d) Burhidihing | Burhidihing is a left-bank tributary. Others are right-bank. |
| 3 | d) Tibet (China) | The Medog project is near the Great Bend in Tibet. |
