China has received approval for the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam, set to be built on the lower reaches of the Yarlung Zangbo River, known as the Brahmaputra River in India and Bangladesh.

The project, undertaken by the Power Construction Corporation of China, is estimated to cost 254.2 billion yuan (approximately 34.83 billion dollars) and aims to generate an annual electricity output of about 300 billion kilowatt-hours.

However, the initiative is expected to displace around 1.4 million people and has raised significant concerns among neighboring countries, especially India and Bangladesh.

Chinese officials have maintained that the construction of the dam will have minimal environmental impact and will not significantly affect regional water resources.

Nonetheless, Indian and Bangladeshi authorities have expressed deep apprehensions, arguing that the dam could alter the flow of the river, thereby jeopardizing the livelihoods of millions who depend on it.

The Brahmaputra River is a vital water source for India, especially for its northeastern states, contributing to agriculture, drinking water supply, and energy generation.

Any changes to the river’s natural flow could disrupt these essential functions, posing severe risks to millions of people who rely on these resources.

The proposed dam is set to increase the capacity of the existing Three Gorges Dam in Central China, currently the world’s largest hydropower project.

The Three Gorges Dam has generated over 1.7 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity since its opening in 2003 and has been hailed for its role in flood control and energy supply.

Yet, it has also faced criticism for its environmental impact and the social costs associated with the resettlement of communities

The new dam could play a crucial role in China’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, but the potential consequences for water security in India are profound.

Changes to the river's hydrology, including reduced water flow and sediment deposition, could adversely affect agriculture and fisheries, and worsen the socio-economic vulnerabilities in the region.

The region surrounding the Himalayas is known to be seismically active, raising concerns about the risks associated with large-scale infrastructure projects like this dam.

Additionally, experts warn that extreme weather events, which may increase in frequency and intensity due to climate change, could lead to catastrophic dam failures, resulting in severe flooding downstream and significant humanitarian as well as economic repercussions for India.

In this context, the approval and construction of the dam take on a broader significance, not just in terms of energy production for China, but also regarding the geopolitical and environmental dynamics of South Asia.