Chapter 1: China's Dam Obsession

China has shown a remarkable commitment to dam construction, boasting around 98,000 dams, of which 50,000 are classified as large (exceeding 15 meters in height). This impressive number accounts for nearly half of the world's large dams! Currently, China is in the process of erecting the largest dam in the Himalayas, aiming to surpass the record set by its previous achievement, the Three Gorges Dam.

This ambitious project is anticipated to be the most potent power station globally, with a projected output of 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually—three times that of the Three Gorges Dam. Planning for this massive venture began in late 2020, receiving approval from the National People’s Congress in March 2021. However, since then, the Chinese government has maintained a low profile regarding the project, releasing minimal details without a clear timeline or budget.

Section 1.1: Environmental Concerns

The dam's construction has raised alarms among local populations and neighboring nations, particularly India and Nepal. Located in the challenging terrain of Tibet, the dam will sit merely 30 kilometers from the Indian border, along the Mabja Zangbo River, which is about 16 kilometers north of the tri-junction. This river flows through the Himalayas, descending from an elevation of nearly 5,000 meters (16,404 feet) and eventually plunging into the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, which is twice as deep as the Grand Canyon in the United States, reaching depths of 1,500 meters (4,900 feet).

The river serves as a crucial resource for local communities, providing water for drinking, agriculture, and fishing. The dam's construction is likely to have profound environmental effects and disrupt the livelihoods of the people who depend on it. Historical precedents show the potential fallout; for instance, the Three Gorges Dam displaced approximately 1.4 million residents upstream.

Subsection 1.1.1: Impact on Biodiversity

Experts are voicing concerns about the project. Brian Eyler, Director of Energy, Water, and Sustainability Programs at the Stimson Center, stated, “The area is known for its seismic activity and unique biodiversity. The dam would obstruct fish migration and sediment flow, which is essential for enriching downstream soil during seasonal floods.”

The construction of the dam has been visible through satellite imagery, as noted in a tweet from Damien Symon, showcasing the project’s progress since 2021.

Chapter 2: The Need for Transparency

The first video titled "Mega Dams – Hydroelectric Evolution – Big Bigger Biggest" explores the evolution of dam technology and its implications for energy generation.

The second video, "China's Three Gorges Dam: the disaster project | Revisited," reviews the history and consequences of the Three Gorges Dam, emphasizing the importance of transparency in large-scale projects.

In my opinion, it would be beneficial for China to be more forthcoming about the dam's construction details, allowing for a more informed public discourse. If everything were indeed in order, there would be little reason for secrecy, right?

Thank you for reading! What are your thoughts on this project? Should it proceed?