Decks cleared to build Brahmaputra dam

Beijing, March 11

China’s Parliament on Thursday adopted the 14th Five-Year Plan, the mega blueprint containing billions of dollars worth of projects, including the controversial hydropower project on the Brahmaputra river in Tibet close to the Arunachal Pradesh border over which India has raised concerns. The National People’s Congress (NPC), China’s legislature with over 2,000 members, adopted the plan.

Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the meeting.

India and Bangladesh have raised concerns over Brahmaputra dam plans, but China has downplayed such anxieties saying it would keep their interests in mind. As a lower riparian state with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the Indian government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities and has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream States are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas. — PTI

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