Assam BJP president and Mangaldoi MP Dilip Saikia on Monday raised the issue of a large dam purportedly being constructed on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet by China near the Indian border, where he urged the Centre to talk to the Chinese government given the dam’s potential to cause damage in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam. In an interview with The Indian Express, Saikia spoke about his concerns over ecological imbalances that can result with the dam’s construction. Excerpts: What are your concerns regarding the dam's construction? If the Brahmaputra’s water is stopped, it would be a challenge for us as the river is our lifeline. Our culture, civilisation and economic activities will be affected. I raised the matter in the Lok Sabha so that the Centre can talk to their Chinese counterparts about their plans. I request the government to talk to them even if there is no concern. Have you spoken to anyone in the Central government on the issue? No, I have not spoken to anyone yet. What are your specific concerns regarding the project? The ecological environment in the Northeast will face challenges, which will definitely be a matter of concern. My intention is only to raise this concern. The region is a high seismic zone so dams are always a matter of concern. Research should be done on what its impact would be on the people on the lower side of the Brahmaputra. Our concern is also regarding the rehabilitation of the people who will be affected in case there is any damage or a natural calamity. The impact of the project on the environment and population should be discussed as they are matters related to universal importance. There is a period when the Brahmaputra is almost dry and when it rains, the river reaches the danger mark. When the Chinese open the gates of the dam, the water will flow into the Indian side and could cause devastation. This is my only concern. Can these concerns that you are raising create fresh tensions in India-China ties? India and China must live together peacefully, and have better diplomatic and economic ties. We are working towards that. There must be no misunderstanding. Both countries are demographically and economically among the strongest nations in the world.
