India expresses concern over Siang river turning black

India has expressed concern over the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh turning black, saying that the matter was also brought up during External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj's meeting with her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on Wednesday.

"It is matter of concern for us, we are coordinating with the Ministry of Water resources and we have ascertained certain facts. The matter did come up during EAM Sushma Swaraj's meeting with the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi,'' Raveesh Kumar, the Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson said in response to a question about Siang river turning black during a press conference here on Thursday.

Earlier the month, the authorities of East Siang district complained as the water of the river was deemed not fit for consumption due to heavy slag in it.

Siang is the constituent river of the Brahmaputra, which flows from a 1,600 kilometre stretch in southern Tibet, known as Yarlung Tsangpo or Yarlung Zangbo before it enters Indian territory.

Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu had earlier said that he was personally monitoring the condition of Siang river and also requested the Centre to take immediate action regarding it.

"I have also forwarded my petition to the government for immediate measures to be taken. From my side, I am taking keen note on this matter. After, Siang river getting polluted it will also affect Brahmaputra soon which is a matter of concern," he said.

Media reports are suspecting that dam building activities in China could be a reason of the contamination of the river.