India Begins Construction Of Highest Dam In Arunachal Pradesh To Counter China Mega Project

Dibang Multipurpose Project: Why India’s Highest Dam In Arunachal Pradesh Is Key To Counter China Mega Project

India has officially launched the construction of what will become the highest dam in Arunachal Pradesh — the Dibang Multipurpose Project — in response to reports of China moving ahead with its own mega project on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. The state-run NHPC Limited has already floated a global bid worth Rs 17,069 crore to build the main dam, which will serve both as a source of power generation and as a strategic buffer against sudden water releases from the Chinese dam. This dam, once completed, will not only enhance India’s hydropower capacity but also act as a safeguard against floods that could impact the northeast.

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According to the tender, the deadline for completion is set at 91 months, which means that the dam is expected to be fully operational by 2032. The project has gained significant political and strategic importance, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi laying its foundation stone last year and Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu regularly visiting the site at Minli village to oversee progress. Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have also evaluated the site to emphasize the national priority of the project.

The urgency around India’s project comes at a time when China has already begun work on what it claims will be the world’s largest hydropower dam, the Motuo Hydropower Station, on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. India has expressed concerns to Beijing over the downstream impact of such mega dams and has urged for transparency and cooperation with affected nations like India and Bangladesh. While relations between the two countries have shown signs of improvement after Prime Minister Modi’s visit to China for the SCO Summit this year, the dam issue continues to remain a sticking point in bilateral discussions.

Chief Minister Khandu has previously warned that once China’s mega dam is completed, the Siang and Brahmaputra rivers could be severely affected. He also highlighted the possibility of China using sudden water releases as a “water bomb,” which could devastate areas downstream in India. For this reason, the Dibang Multipurpose Project is being developed not just as an energy hub but as a strategic necessity to ensure India’s water security and flood preparedness.

The Siang River, which originates as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, enters Arunachal Pradesh and merges with the Dibang river before flowing into the Brahmaputra. The Dibang river itself originates in the mountains of Arunachal Pradesh and contributes nearly 7% of the Brahmaputra’s total runoff at Pandu in Assam. By constructing the Dibang dam, India is essentially building a protective barrier that can help moderate floods while simultaneously producing clean energy.

The NHPC bid document specifies that the dam will serve two main objectives: generating electricity and moderating floods. At 278 meters high, it will be India’s highest dam and will generate an estimated 11,223 million units of electricity annually. The project, which carries a total cost of Rs 31,875 crore, will also bring significant benefits to Arunachal Pradesh, with the state receiving Rs 700 crore worth of free power each year. To further safeguard against flooding, a dedicated flood moderation capacity of 1,282 million cubic meters will be created, keeping reservoir levels below the Full Reservoir Level during monsoon months.

Recently, CM Khandu inspected the site along with NHPC Chairman and Managing Director Sanjay Kumar Singh, reaffirming the state and center’s commitment to completing the project by 2032. This ambitious undertaking highlights India’s dual goals of strengthening energy independence while maintaining regional stability in the face of China’s rapid hydropower expansion.

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Meanwhile, China’s Motuo Hydropower Station is projected to surpass even the iconic Three Gorges Dam in size and capacity. The project could give China significant control over the Yarlung Tsangpo river, which flows into India’s northeast and Bangladesh. While Beijing maintains it has a legitimate right to develop the river, India has been cautious, stressing the importance of safeguarding the rights and interests of downstream countries.

In conclusion, the Dibang Multipurpose Project represents much more than just India’s highest dam in Arunachal Pradesh. It is a strategic response to the China mega project, a safeguard for millions living downstream, and a milestone in India’s renewable energy ambitions. By 2032, this dam is expected to stand as both a symbol of India’s hydropower capabilities and a vital defense against external water threats.

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