Assam’s Chief Minister Claims No Harm from China’s Water Flow Reduction in Brahmaputra
In a bold statement, Assam’s Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has asserted that even if China were to restrict the water flow of the Brahmaputra River, it would not adversely affect Assam or the broader northeastern region of India. Sarma emphasized that the river’s flow is not solely dependent on China, which contributes only about 30-35% of its total water. He highlighted the significant role of India’s monsoon rains and tributaries from the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia hills in maintaining the river’s health.
Sarma’s remarks come in the wake of concerns raised by Chinese officials about potential reductions in the Brahmaputra’s water flow. He argued that such a reduction could actually benefit India by alleviating the annual flooding that plagues Assam, thereby protecting lives and property. The Chief Minister noted that the river’s flow at the India-China border ranges from 2,000 to 3,000 cubic meters per second, which can swell to 15,000 to 20,000 cubic meters per second in areas like guwahati. He concluded by asserting that 70% of the Brahmaputra’s flow in India is sourced from Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, nagaland, and Meghalaya, reinforcing the region’s resilience against any potential Chinese maneuvers.