China’s Yarlung Tsangpo super-dam in Tibet raises serious earthquake risks and environmental concerns. Expected to produce three times the electricity of the Three Gorges Dam, it endangers both local populations and downstream water-sharing practices. As anger simmers among Tibetans, international implications deepen, particularly for neighboring India and Bangladesh.
China is constructing the Yarlung Tsangpo super-dam in seismically active Tibet, raising significant concerns about earthquake risks, according to a paper from The Institute for Security and Development Policy in Stockholm. The dam, located in Metog County, is expected to generate three times more electricity than the current largest dam, the Three Gorges Dam, but fears of induced seismic activity accompany its construction. Historically, projects like the Three Gorges Dam have correlated with earthquakes and landslides, contributing to alterations in the Earth’s rotation.
The controversy surrounding the Yarlung Tsangpo dam encompasses ecological, geological, and humanitarian aspects, particularly its impact on local Tibetan communities. The paper indicates that these construction efforts modify landscapes irreversibly, potentially heightening seismic risks. The dam’s implications extend beyond Tibet as surrounding regions, particularly India, express apprehension regarding its effects on water-sharing agreements and regional stability, reminiscent of prior incidents on the Mekong River.
In light of the explosive growth of dam construction in Tibet, the Yarlung Tsangpo super-dam poses critical earthquake risks and threats to the livelihoods of local populations. As geopolitical tensions rise over water resources, the situation demands urgent attention to balance development with environmental and humanitarian considerations, ensuring equitable practices across affected nations. Continued scrutiny and discussions surrounding these projects are essential to mitigate adverse effects.
Original Source: www.tibetanreview.net
