~ Linn Maung ~
The construction of the world’s largest hydropower mega-dam by China on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet has sparked serious concern in Bangladesh, as it poses a direct threat to the livelihoods of millions living downstream. If the flow of the river is disrupted, the consequences for Bangladesh could be devastating. Yet China, known for grabbing global headlines, has downplayed repeated concerns, adding that the project will not affect downstream countries.
According to a latest editorial in Bangladesh’s daily newspaper, Dhaka Tribune, Bangladesh has sought hydrological data from China but how much has been furnished remains unclear. Ironically, arrogant China has hardly cared to hold a discussion with Bangladesh on the mega dam project as there has been no discussion on the project. Hence, there is no clarity on the issue.
Parliamentarians and environmentalists have several questions regarding the true intention behind China’s push for big dams. According to environmentalists, China’s claim that it works for the interest of economic development and climate neutrality, is baseless as it is unilaterally pursuing hydroelectric and water resources in transnational rivers. The brazen push for mega dams by China is nothing but meant to showcase its engineering capabilities and renewable energy ambitions and not the welfare of communities of its trading partner.
The fear among environmentalists is essentially related to the possibility of ecological imbalance if there is an obstruction to the flow of the river. That can create water scarcity as well as reduce the flow of nutrient-rich sediment, creating an ecological imbalance. They have expressed concern that the riverbank erosion could increase, thereby affecting the lives of marginal communities as well as other economic activities in the area.
As far as the interim government is concerned, it has sought information from China to satisfy its concerns. In January, Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain had sought detailed information on China’s plan for mega-hydropower dam across the Yarlung Tsangpo but it did not get any response at that time.
Six months ago, Bangladesh’s Ministry of Water Resources had sought information on four key documents from China, an environmental impact assessment, feasibility study, climate impact assessment, and disaster impact assessment but has not received any reply from the Chinese government.
Bangladesh National Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury recently spoke on the challenges faced by lower riparian countries due to dam constructions.
Chowdhury said that upper riparian countries were withdrawing water and building dams and hydropower projects in violation of international water-sharing laws. Such actions destroyed biodiversity, damaging agricultural systems and threatening the livelihoods of people in downstream nations. According to him, Bangladesh has been really suffering and added that agriculture and biodiversity are being affected. The livelihoods of a huge population are also at risk. Describing it as a serious issue, he insisted on the need to address it.
Sometime ago, Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus issued a warning regarding polluting waters and its adverse impact on people. According to him, as a riverine country, Bangladesh has sadly taken rivers for granted, ignoring the vital role rivers play in food security and livelihoods for millions of Bangladeshis. With rivers turning toxic, those at the heart of this industry are often marginalized and struggle with declining catches. The need is to act fast to protect rivers and other water bodies while ensuring this sector can begin to thrive once again. From enforcing strict environmental regulations to promoting more participation in river and fisheries stewardship, from expanding social protections for fishing communities to investing in research on sustainable fishing, these are all viable options to begin exploring for the future of Bangladesh.
Environmental critics warn that unchecked development in the Yarlung Tsangpo Basin could destabilize vital ecosystems across the region. Their fears are grounded in evidence. Case studies from the Lancang-Mekong River show that large dams can cut sediment flow by more than 50 percent, triggering biodiversity collapse and a sharp decline in fish populations. The actual environmental cost of such a project may be far beyond the comprehension of the average Bangladeshi citizen. Experts argue that shameless China is exploiting Bangladesh’s caretaker government, which lacks the democratic legitimacy to take decisive foreign policy action. They added that it would be a foolish act to expect China to listen to Bangladesh at the cost of its own domestic needs of political economy, economic growth and national security.
With national elections pending, Beijing appears eager to push its hidden agenda while Dhaka’s hands are tied. The onus now is on the interim government to act cautiously and assertively, before it’s too late to recognize the damage China is capable of inflicting on Bangladesh, its trading partner.
Hyperlink: Environmental consequences of damming the mainstream Lancang-Mekong River: A review:https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0012825215000598#:~:text=rights%20and%20content-,Abstract,and%20ecosystems%20outside%20of%20China.
#MeKongNews
