 "Siang blackens: Is China diverting Arunachal Brahmaputra water to Xinjiang?")
A Lok Sabha member from Arunachal has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting him to take up with the Chinese government the unusual receding of Siang river at Pasighat and a sudden change in its water quality.
Ninong Ering, Congress MP from the East Constituency, apprehended that the change in water quality, which is unusual during the winter season, could be due to a possible diversion of the river in Tibet.
While visiting the Siang River at Pasighat in East Siang district on Saturday, Ering said that the recent report of China constructing a tunnel of 1,000 km to divert the Siang (Brahmaputra) water to the Xinjiang province to the Taklamakan desert is likely to be true although China had denied it.
He mentioned in the letter sent on Saturday, the report of Tsangpo (Siang/Brahmaputra) being diverted had appeared a few months back. Although China denied it, the matter remains an area of concern with the river suddenly undergoing a change in its appearance and character.
After the report appeared, the river Siang has become muddy and slushy. It is already two months that the Siang has turned black and contaminated. It is an unusual phenomenon.
"The reason for the river getting dirty is unknown. I have already put questions for discussions in Parliament under rule 377. But since it is not in session, I am requesting you to use your good office to seek the reason of the river being muddy in this season when the water is crystal clear. Construction of a 600-km long tunnel has already started in the Yunnan province as a rehearsal, Ering said in his letter.
The Congress MP further said there is no other reason for the mighty Siang getting dirty in the month of November other than a heavy land excavation in the Chinese side and that has to be verified by an international team.
When I saw the water, it looked like it was mixed with cement. It is a very serious issue and the Centre must take it seriously, the MP said.
Ering said that a large number of fishes have also died in the Siang river in recent times and he got it confirmed from Tuting and Geling areas in Upper Siang district close to China border.
He has also appealed to the External Affairs Ministry and the Water Resources ministry to expedite measures to check the diversion.
Ninong Ering, Congress MP from the East Constituency, apprehended that the change in water quality, which is unusual during the winter season, could be due to a possible diversion of the river in Tibet.
While visiting the Siang River at Pasighat in East Siang district on Saturday, Ering said that the recent report of China constructing a tunnel of 1,000 km to divert the Siang (Brahmaputra) water to the Xinjiang province to the Taklamakan desert is likely to be true although China had denied it.
He mentioned in the letter sent on Saturday, the report of Tsangpo (Siang/Brahmaputra) being diverted had appeared a few months back. Although China denied it, the matter remains an area of concern with the river suddenly undergoing a change in its appearance and character.
After the report appeared, the river Siang has become muddy and slushy. It is already two months that the Siang has turned black and contaminated. It is an unusual phenomenon.
"The reason for the river getting dirty is unknown. I have already put questions for discussions in Parliament under rule 377. But since it is not in session, I am requesting you to use your good office to seek the reason of the river being muddy in this season when the water is crystal clear. Construction of a 600-km long tunnel has already started in the Yunnan province as a rehearsal, Ering said in his letter.
The Congress MP further said there is no other reason for the mighty Siang getting dirty in the month of November other than a heavy land excavation in the Chinese side and that has to be verified by an international team.
When I saw the water, it looked like it was mixed with cement. It is a very serious issue and the Centre must take it seriously, the MP said.
Ering said that a large number of fishes have also died in the Siang river in recent times and he got it confirmed from Tuting and Geling areas in Upper Siang district close to China border.
He has also appealed to the External Affairs Ministry and the Water Resources ministry to expedite measures to check the diversion.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%