Concerns over China's Mega Dam: BJP MLA Urges Government Action

Senior BJP MLA Ninong Ering has expressed concerns over a Chinese mega dam near Arunachal Pradesh, which could cause severe flooding. Ering urged the government to address the issue with the Centre, emphasizing the need for nation's safety. He also discussed the potential for a large barrage to counteract the dam's impact.

Senior BJP MLA Ninong Ering on Friday raised alarms about an under-construction mega dam by China near Arunachal Pradesh, citing potential flood risks to the state. He urged the government to engage with the Centre on the issue.

China is developing a 60,000 megawatt dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Medog, close to the international border. The river, known as Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and Brahmaputra in Assam, eventually flows into Bangladesh as the Jamuna.

Participating in the motion of thanks to the governor's address, Ering warned, 'We cannot trust our neighbour. They could either divert the river, drying up Siang, or release water in one go, causing unprecedented floods downstream.' He emphasized that such actions could affect not just India, but also Bangladesh.

Ering stressed, 'People's safety and the country's security cannot be compromised. Our motto should be Nation First.' He supported the construction of dams with storage capacity to mitigate floods but called for consultation with anti-dam activists.

Chief Minister Pema Khandu had earlier proposed a large barrage on the Siang river to protect the region from potential threats posed by the Chinese project. 'In case of excessive water release, we need big structures to safeguard ourselves,' Khandu said, highlighting the Centre's concern over the river's condition post-project.

(With inputs from agencies.)