BEIJING, Nov 24 (PTI): China today partly commissioned its largest hydropower station in Tibet, built on the Brahmaputra river that could restrict the flow of water in the major river in the riparian regions in India and Bangladesh.
The first generating unit of the 9.6 billion yuan (US$1.5 billion) Zangmu Hydropower Station, which is positioned over 3,300 metres above sea level on the "roof of the world", went into operation with five other generating units due for completion next year.
The huge project, which straddles the middle reaches of the roaring Yarlung Zangbo River, the local name for Brahmaputra will have a total installed capacity of 510,000 kilowatts upon completion. It is designed to generate 2.5 billion kilowatt hours of power annually, state-run Xinhua News Agency reported.
Reports said besides Zangmu, China is reportedly building few more dams. China seeks to allay the Indian fears of running river projects which are not designed to hold water.
India has been taking up this issue with China for the past few years and the two countries reached an agreement during the visit of Vice President Hamid Ansari in July this year under which India will pay China over Rs 82 lakh annually for crucial flood data of the Brahmaputra to improve flood forecasting.
The two sides also agreed to allow their water experts to conduct study tours on both sides of the river which originates in Tibet.
The commissioning of the Zangmu Hydropower Station improves the power station in Tibet, the report said.
China\\\'s hydro project may curb water flow to BD river
FE Team | Published: November 25, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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