Convey our concerns over construction of dams on Brahmaputra in China: Gogoi

Says it would adversely impact downstream flows

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is presently on an official visit to China, to take up with the neighbouring country the issue of construction of dams on the upper reaches of river Brahmaputra.

Gogoi said that there have been "serious concerns" over the construction of dams by China over the Brahmaputra river that would adversely impact downstream flows. 'Prime Minister Narendra Modi must convey India's concerns to Beijing during his visit', said Gogoi.

River Brahmaputra, which is called Yarlung Zangto (Tsangpo) in China, originates in Tibet and covers 1,740 kms to enter into India through Arunachal Pradesh.

According to reports, China had been constructing at least 11 water storages, 2 canals and 5 dams and pumping stations ahead of Great Bend area, which is 60-70 kms from the village Gogring in Arunachal Pradesh, where the river Brahmaputra makes the entry into India. Some say, China had already constructed two reservoirs of 42 million cubic meters and 31 million cubic meters at Great Bend area.

Some experts also say that the river Brahmaputra, which used to provide as many as 78.1 billion cubic metres of water in monsoon and 56.12 billion cubic metres in non-monsoon days to India, today provides only 60 per cent of total water during non-monsoon days and in monsoon days flow is reduced by 30 per cent.