Sporadic reports on China’s water diversion plans on the Yarlung Tsangpo, the upper stream of the Brahmaputra river, are invariably met with sustained overreactions in India. Photo: AFPSporadic reports on China’s water diversion plans on the Yarlung Tsangpo, the upper stream of the Brahmaputra river, are invariably met with sustained overreactions in India. Late last month, reports of China planning a 1,000km-long tunnel system to divert these waters to arid Xinjiang were followed by thick black soot coming from the Siang tributary of the Brahmaputra. So, it is not China’s water diversions, but intentional flooding or contamination that should be a major concern for India. The impact on India, if ever, would depend on factors like wherefrom and how much of Yarlung Tsangpo water can be diverted.

Source: Mint December 06, 2017 17:15 UTC