Pakistan looks to China after India's Indus water blow
Pakistan looks to China after India's Indus water blow
Jayanta KalitaRajesh Sharma
TIMESOFINDIA.COM
May 22, 2025, 16:13 IST IST
Following suspension of Indus Waters Treaty by India, China has fast-tracked the construction of a multi-purpose dam in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Can Islamabad ensure safety and security for Chinese workers given past attacks by Pak Taliban?
China has announced expediting the construction of the Mohmand dam in Pakistan 's volatile Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, days after Islamabad was left high and dry by India's decision to suspend the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack.
The state-owned China Energy Engineering Corporation, which has been working on the hydropower project since 2019, has begun concrete filling, marking a 'critical construction milestone', according to a report by state broadcaster China Central Television (CCTV).
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Indian Express
30 minutes ago
- Indian Express
As protests hit Upper Siang project, NHPC to fast-track selection of site
Three years after the Ministry of Jal Shakti ordered a pre-feasibility report, a decision on the final site for the proposed 11.2 gigawatt (GW) Siang Upper Multipurpose Project is learnt to be 'held up due to local issues'. State-owned hydropower developer NHPC Ltd is working with stakeholders to 'expedite' progress, said sources. Proposed as India's strategic counter to China's upcoming 60 GW hydrostation less than 50 km upstream from the border, the project on the Siang river in Arunachal Pradesh is facing opposition from villagers who are likely to be displaced. 'NHPC has identified a few potential sites, based on desk studies and site reconnaissance. However, vital investigation required for firming up the final site for taking up detailed investigation is held up due to local issues. NHPC is continuously liaising with the stakeholders in this matter,' an NHPC official told The Indian Express. On May 20, NHPC had moved drilling equipment to a proposed site near Beging in Arunachal Pradesh's Siang district. The drilling is required to finalise the pre-feasibility report, a task assigned by the ministry to the NHPC in April 2022. However, following protests by residents, whose homes and farmlands are likely to be affected by the dam, the drilling is yet to begin. The detailed project report (DPR) — needed to obtain regulatory clearances and begin civil works — is prepared after the PFR. 'NHPC has stationed its manpower near the (proposed) project site and mobilised required resources to expedite the vital investigation required for firming up the final site,' the official said. Besides Beging, the proposed sites include Ugeng and Dite Dime. The Jal Shakti Ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the issue. In December 2024, China approved its 60 GW project in Medog County, on the Yarlung Tsangpo river, shortly before it enters Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, which forms the Brahmaputra further downstream. The Upper Siang project, with a proposed large storage capacity, is expected to act as a buffer by regulating water flow and protecting downstream populations and infrastructure. 'Strategic storage on Siang River can act as a regulating scheme to mitigate adverse impact of both acts of water diversion and artificial floods by the upstream Chinese development,' the NHPC official said. 'The regulated flow downstream is critical for shielding the population, infrastructure, ecology and navigation etc. from the adverse impact of Chinese development in Tibet Autonomous Region. Additionally, this strategic storage shall also enhance the renewable energy in the grid,' the official said. While about 30 per cent of the Brahmaputra's flow originates in China, most of it comes from rainfall within India's catchment areas. Hence, China's dam is expected to have a greater impact on the river's upper stretches in Arunachal Pradesh. Last month, while addressing the protests against the project, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu had said: 'Where hydropower is concerned, we will do what the people say if they have an objection. However, the Upper Siang project is not just hydropower. We have to understand that it is a defence mechanism.' 'India should also go for a massive dam quickly,' a senior official said on condition of anonymity, citing the risks posed by China's project. Beyond flood concerns, the Chinese dam could also disrupt water flow to proposed downstream projects in Arunachal Pradesh. While the Upper Siang project has been under consideration for several years, NITI Aayog, in 2017, proposed building massive storage of 9.2 billion cubic metres, saying 'hydro-electric projects being envisaged on Siang river would become unviable if non-monsoon flow decreases because of unforeseen reasons'. The Northeast holds nearly half of India's 133 GW hydropower potential, over 80 per cent of which remains untapped. Of the 60 GW estimated potential, about 50 GW lies in Arunachal Pradesh alone. 'Once a massive dam with very large storage is constructed, it will take care of most of the issues likely to be faced by downstream projects. Further, downstream projects should also be planned with reasonable storage as per cost benefit analysis,' the NHPC official said. The PFR and DPR for the Upper Siang project are funded under the Jal Shakti Ministry's Investigation of Water Resource Development Scheme. Once completed, it would be India's largest hydropower station. Aggam Walia is a Correspondent at The Indian Express, reporting on power, renewables, and mining. His work unpacks intricate ties between corporations, government, and policy, often relying on documents sourced via the RTI Act. Off the beat, he enjoys running through Delhi's parks and forests, walking to places, and cooking pasta. ... Read More
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Consumers' loss, farmer optimism: In US, trade war sees key groups at odds
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India Gazette
4 hours ago
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MP CM Mohan Yadav inaugurates 135 development projects worth over Rs 80 crore in Narsinghpur's Gadarwara
Narsinghpur (Madhya Pradesh) [India], June 9 (ANI): Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Monday performed bhoomi-pujan and inauguration of 135 development projects worth Rs 80.46 crore at Gadarwara in Narsinghpur district. According to an official release, inauguration of 67 projects worth Rs 56.58 crore and foundation stone of 68 projects worth Rs 23.88 crore was performed. CM Yadav also announced the construction of a Gaushala in Gadarwara and the provision of smooth public transport services across the state. Addressing the occasion, CM Yadav said, 'The government shares a strong relationship of development and trust with the people of Gadarwara. Farmers in Madhya Pradesh will be encouraged to establish agro-based industries. Agricultural trade fairs are being organized to promote this initiative. Farmers who set up such industries will receive a subsidy of up to 50%. Employment-generating units connected to agriculture will also be established, offering workers a monthly remuneration of Rs 5,000.' The CM also highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India has reached new heights of development and gained global recognition. As Prime Minister completed 11 years of service and good governance, the achievements are evident to all. During his tenure, the Triple Talaq law was passed peacefully, Article 370 was abrogated creating national unity, and a strong response was given to the Pahalgam attack. PM Modi also elevated Sanatan culture by presiding over the Pran Pratishtha of Lord Ram Lalla in Ayodhya. Under his leadership, significant progress is being made in empowering the poor, youth, farmers and women, he added. Additionally, CM Yadav welcomed newly enrolled schoolchildren with a traditional 'Tilak' and distributed books to them. He said that efforts are being made to provide quality education so that children can understand the values of democracy, culture, and civilization and realise their dreams. The Chief Minister further emphasised that the state government is implementing various welfare initiatives for women's empowerment. Under the 'Ladli Behna Yojana', the monthly amount will be increased to Rs 3,000 within five years. He remarked that now, due to this scheme, every month feels like a festive occasion for women. Furthermore, 33% reservation for women will be implemented in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections following delimitation. CM Yadav announced the upcoming launch of the Mukhyamantri Sugam Bus Yojana across the state for passenger convenience. The State Transport Corporation will resume bus operations throughout Madhya Pradesh. A 132 kV power substation will be set up in Saikheda, a town in Narsinghpur district. He also declared construction of a 20 km road from Chichli to Salichouka at a cost of Rs 60 crores and construction of a 17.5 km road from Arjungaon to Gadarwara at a cost of Rs 27 crores. (ANI)
