India Pushes Dibang Dam Project to Counter China’s Mega Hydropower Plan

India has moved quickly to advance its largest hydropower initiative in response to China’s ongoing construction of a massive dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet. The government-owned NHPC Limited has floated a global tender worth ₹17,069 crore for the construction of the main dam under the Dibang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh.

Once completed, the Dibang dam will stand 278 meters tall, making it India’s highest dam. With a capacity of 2,880 megawatts, the project is designed to generate more than 11,200 million units of electricity annually and provide vital flood control for the northeastern region. The ambitious project, located in the Lower Dibang Valley district, has been given a 91-month deadline, targeting completion by 2032.

The project holds both strategic and economic significance. Officials highlight that it will act as a safeguard against sudden water releases from China’s dam upstream, preventing potential flooding in India. Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu, who recently inspected the site along with NHPC officials, emphasized the state’s commitment to completing the project within the scheduled timeframe. Additionally, the state is expected to receive nearly ₹700 crore annually in free power from the project.

The timing of this development is crucial. China is currently building what is expected to be the world’s largest hydropower dam, the Motuo Hydropower Station, on the Yarlung Tsangpo. This river flows into India as the Siang and later merges into the Brahmaputra, a lifeline for millions in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and downstream regions. Indian officials have repeatedly voiced concerns that Beijing’s project could disrupt water flows, reduce availability, or even be used strategically to release water and trigger floods.

By moving forward with the Dibang project, India aims not only to strengthen its renewable energy capacity but also to secure its water resources. The dam is projected to become a critical buffer and an important step toward ensuring long-term strategic security, while also fueling economic growth in the region.