New Delhi: In a bold strategic push, India has announced plans to construct a colossal 278-metre-high dam in Arunachal Pradesh’s Dibang Valley, aimed at countering China’s massive hydro project upstream on the Brahmaputra.
Estimated at ₹17,069 crore, the dam—one of the tallest in India—will be built by NHPC and is expected to generate 2,880 MW of clean energy. Global tenders are already underway, with completion targeted for 2032. The project will also gift Arunachal Pradesh free electricity worth ₹700 crore annually.
China, meanwhile, is building the world’s largest dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet, costing $16.7 billion and integrating five hydropower plants. India fears sudden water discharges could hit downstream areas, but Beijing insists its project won’t harm India or Bangladesh.
India’s move marks a decisive step to safeguard its energy security and strengthen its position on transboundary river management.
