Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday offered a measured view of China’s contentious $167.8 billion Brahmaputra mega dam project, stating that while it may carry ecological risks, it could also bring a reduction in Assam’s annual floods.
Speaking at an event in Guwahati, Sarma said that scientific opinion on the dam's long-term impact remained divided, and he hoped the Union government was in active dialogue with Beijing.
“I am not immediately worried because Brahmaputra is a mighty river and it is not dependent on a single source of water,” the Chief Minister said. “Brahmaputra gets most of its waters from Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and the rainwater and other forms of water from our state itself.”
The dam, under construction in Tibet, has raised concerns across the Northeast, where environmentalists and political leaders fear that such a large-scale structure could disrupt the river's natural flow, endanger biodiversity, and harm riparian communities in India.
Sarma acknowledged the possibility of negative effects. “First, if the flow is disturbed by China, then there may be less water and biodiversity will be affected,” he said. “But there is also a counter view, if less water comes it will act as a ‘flood cushion’. But I don’t know which one is correct.”
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He emphasised that the Centre would weigh both scenarios carefully. “The Government of India will consider both options and act accordingly,” Sarma said.
He added that the full impact of China’s infrastructure undertaking could only be known after its completion, and he urged restraint until more clarity emerged. “The impact of the dam would only be known once it is built,” he remarked.
Sarma’s statement follows growing apprehension in the region since Beijing commenced work on what is expected to become the world’s largest hydroelectric facility. Reports suggest the dam will be constructed just a few kilometres from the Line of Actual Control, which further complicates diplomatic and environmental concerns.
Scientists and river experts have long warned that altering the Brahmaputra's upper course, where it is known as the Yarlung Tsangpo—could dramatically change the hydrological rhythm of the river in India, affecting floodplains, agriculture, and aquatic ecosystems.
However, Sarma maintained a pragmatic position, noting that the Brahmaputra’s volume is regulated largely by contributions from within India’s borders.
By flagging both scientific viewpoints, the Chief Minister has signalled that Assam will keep a close watch, but avoid stoking alarmism until more data is available.
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