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

For APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive examinations aspirants, practicing Daily Answer Writing is vital. This blog covers the most important Main question and its model Answer from the Assam Tribune today (09-04-2025).

Mains Question & Model Answer

📝 Mains Question (15 Marks)

Q. China’s planned construction of a mega-dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo near the Indian border presents serious environmental and geopolitical challenges. Critically examine its implications for India and suggest a suitable strategic and diplomatic response.

✅ 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

Risk	Impact
Ecological Disruption	Alters the flow of Brahmaputra → loss of biodiversity
Increased Siltation & Erosion	Disrupts floodplain agriculture downstream
Earthquake-prone Zone	High seismic risk in Medog → dam safety concerns
Flash Flood & GLOFs	Potential for glacial lake outburst floods

⚖️ 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.

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