A proposed “super dam” by China on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet, close to the India border, has raised alarms across South Asia, with experts citing risks to biodiversity, water security, and regional stability. The project, which promises to generate thrice the power output of the Three Gorges Dam, may trigger irreversible ecological disruption and geopolitical conflict. The Yarlung Tsangpo becomes the Brahmaputra as it enters Arunachal Pradesh and Assam, making it a vital waterway for over 130 million people in India and Bangladesh. China’s plan to harness its power without regional consultation or data-sharing agreements has drawn severe criticism from environmentalists and strategic experts. Concerns include altered river flows, sediment reduction, and long-term impacts on wetlands, agriculture, and fish migration. The Dam May Pose A Threat To Brahmaputra River At Wartime According to the South China Morning Post, the dam is slated to rise near the “Great Bend”, a sharp turn where the river plunges into India’s northeastern terrain. Indian experts warn that the structure, if weaponised during a conflict or crisis, could either release massive floodwaters or choke the Brahmaputra during dry seasons. With monsoonal fluctuations already impacting Assam, Chinese control over upstream flow could spell disaster. The seismic vulnerability of the region further intensifies these risks. The Grand Canyon of Yarlung Tsangpo is among the most earthquake-prone areas on Earth. A structural failure caused by seismic activity could unleash floods capable of destroying communities across borders. Critics argue China’s environmental and engineering track record offers little assurance of safe execution. Disruption Of Sediment Flow, Wetland Integrity, And Glacial-fed Tributaries Feared The dam’s ecological implications are equally dire. The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) and other scientific bodies have stressed that the Yarlung Tsangpo basin supports hundreds of endemic species and serves as a buffer against extreme weather. Interruption in sediment flow can strip agricultural lands of fertility downstream, while wetlands and fish spawning grounds could be permanently altered. India’s countermeasure comes in the form of the Siang Upper Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh, announced by Chief Minister Pema Khandu. The proposed 10GW reservoir will serve as both a hydropower source and a strategic buffer, potentially offsetting sudden Chinese releases or unexpected droughts. However, experts note that such a defensive measure can only mitigate, not eliminate, risks emanating from upstream decisions. How Bangladesh Faces A Rising Risk Climate scientists underline that warming trends are increasing glacial melt in Tibet, making river systems more volatile. The dam could further destabilise the water regime, making it harder for downstream nations to plan irrigation, manage floods, or support biodiversity. Bangladesh, already dealing with annual flooding and water scarcity, stands equally exposed to Beijing’s opaque hydrological interventions. With no binding treaty on transboundary river sharing between India and China, diplomatic avenues remain limited. India has repeatedly sought real-time hydrological data and mutual consultation mechanisms, but Beijing continues to operate unilaterally. Such opacity not only endangers lives but also erodes trust in regional cooperation frameworks