Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday sought to ease concerns about China’s $167.8 billion hydropower dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet, stating he is “not immediately worried” due to the river’s reliance on water from Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and local rainfall. Speaking to reporters, Sarma noted that the dam’s construction, which began last week near India’s border, has unclear implications, with conflicting scientific views on its downstream impact.

The Brahmaputra, critical for Assam’s economy, could face reduced water flow, affecting biodiversity, or benefit from flood mitigation, Sarma said, citing divergent theories. He deferred to the central government, expressing confidence in ongoing or upcoming India-China talks to address the issue.

The dam, set to generate 300 billion kWh annually, has raised ecological and geopolitical concerns, with no binding water-sharing treaty. India’s own Arunachal dam project aims to counterbalance China’s move.

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