APSC Answer Writing (Daily) based on Assam Tribune – 09/4/2025

Model answer

Model Answer

Introduction:
China’s proposal to build the world’s largest hydroelectric dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo, near India’s Arunachal Pradesh, has sparked concerns regarding water security, ecological stability, and geopolitical leverage in the region.

1. Strategic and Geopolitical Concerns for India

a) Unilateral Control Over Transboundary River

• China is the upper riparian; India lacks a binding water-sharing treaty with China.
• Could manipulate flow volume and timing, affecting downstream agriculture and ecology.

b) Border Tensions and Weaponization of Water

• Located close to Line of Actual Control (LAC) in a disputed area.
• Dam could be used as a strategic pressure point in border standoffs.

c) Impact on Act East Policy and NE Development

• Threatens India’s infrastructure and economic efforts in the Brahmaputra basin.
• Risk to riverine livelihoods in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

2. Environmental Risks

3. Legal and Diplomatic Gaps

• No formal water-sharing treaty exists (unlike Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan).
• 2002 MoU between India-China only allows seasonal hydrological data sharing (limited scope).
• China is not bound by transboundary environmental impact assessments (no equivalent to UNECE Espoo Convention).

4. India’s Strategic & Diplomatic Response

a) Build Strategic Storage and Infrastructure

• Fast-track India’s own dams like Upper Siang, Dibang, and Subansiri in Arunachal.
• Invest in flood management and river interlinking in Brahmaputra basin.

b) Enhance Bilateral & Multilateral Diplomacy

• Propose Brahmaputra Basin Agreement with China, Bangladesh, Bhutan.
• Raise the issue at forums like UN Water Conference, SCO, and BRICS.

c) Strengthen Remote Sensing & Early Warning Systems

• Expand use of ISRO satellites for real-time flow tracking.
• Set up river monitoring stations in upper Arunachal.

d) Promote Track-II and Scientific Dialogue

• Encourage expert exchanges on Himalayan hydrology and climate risk.
• Involve civil society and academic institutions.

Conclusion

China’s dam project underscores the urgent need for India to treat water security as national security. A robust combination of infrastructure readiness, regional diplomacy, and ecological monitoring is key to protecting India’s downstream interests and ensuring regional stability.