China building new dam in Tibet near Indian border
Why in news :
- Recent satellite image has found that China is constructing a dam on the Mabja Zangbo river in Tibet, close to the trijunction.
- The dam is around 16 km north of the trijunction and is opposite the Kalapani area of Uttarakhand.
- The Mabja Zangbo originates in the Nagari county of Tibet, flows through Nepal into the Ghaghara river before joining the Ganga in India.
- The images show the formation of an embankment type dam with a reservoir.
Concerns involved :
- In addition to using water as leverage, the possibility of a military establishment by China near the trijunction.
- China could use this dam to not only divert but also store water which could lead to a scarcity in the regions dependent on the Mabja Zangbo river.
- Dams close to the border could be used by China to strengthen its claim on the disputed areas in the region.
Syllabus : Prelims + Mains; GS2 – International Relations
