PM clears the 'water', says China's dam is harmless

New Delhi, Aug 4: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has come forward to allay fears that the dam being built by China on its side of river Brahmaputra, would adversely impact the north-eastern states in India. He was speaking in the Rajya Sabha in a reply to a question addressed to the external affairs minister.

Speaking of the dam, Manmohan Singh said, "What has been alleged is only a run-of-river dam."

Stating that the two countries are neighbours and it is in the best interest of India to have best possible relations with China, the Prime Minister said, "Unnecessary revocation of the other side can hurt the relation. At the same time, the issue of Brahmaputra and other rivers has been repeatedly discussed. We have been assured."

S M Krishna, the External Affairs minister said that the Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, during his visit in December 2010 had assured India that the dam will not adversely impact the downstream area of Brahmaputra in India.

He said, "Almost 80 percent of the catchment of Brahmaputra river is in India. Governments of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh should make plans to utilise that water which is not being used." He added, "Government keeps a constant watch on all developments, having a bearing on India's national interest."

Media reports state that China is building a dam on its side of the river Brahmaputra, that could potentially affect the flow of water in the Indian territory.

OneIndia News