China begins construction on the largest hydropower dam in the world.

The Chinese government has announced the commencement of the construction of the world's largest hydropower dam in Tibet, a project with an estimated cost of 1.2 trillion yuan (approximately $180 billion USD).

The dam, which will be situated on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, also known as the Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh, has raised concerns among these downstream nations regarding potential negative impacts on water flow and security.

Both India and Bangladesh have expressed fears that the dam could give China significant control over their water resources, potentially leading to reduced water availability during the dry season and exacerbating existing tensions over transboundary water issues. Additionally, Tibetan groups are concerned about the project's potential effects on sacred sites located along the river and the lack of transparency regarding population displacement.

Previous hydropower projects in Tibet, such as the one at the upper reaches of the Yangtze river, have led to significant protests due to concerns over cultural preservation and the displacement of local communities. The Three Gorges Dam, completed in 2012, is an example of a massive project that has had a substantial environmental and social impact, with approximately 1.5 million people being displaced.

The new dam is planned to be part of a broader effort by China to boost its renewable energy capabilities and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. The Chinese government has framed the project as a means of creating jobs and fostering economic growth in the region while contributing to its renewable energy targets. However, environmentalists have raised concerns about the project's environmental impact, particularly on the region's unique wildlife, as well as the risks associated with building such a large dam in an area prone to tectonic shifts and severe geological events.

Chinese authorities have acknowledged the need for careful environmental consideration, with Premier Li Keqiang emphasizing the importance of ecological conservation to prevent environmental damage. Despite these concerns, the project is moving forward as part of China's ambitious infrastructure and energy strategy, which includes developing the hydropower potential of the Tibetan plateau.