Hydroelectric Power in Assam: Energy Sovereignty in the Shadow of China’s Brahmaputra Dam

Assam, rich in water resources and nestled within the Eastern Himalayan fold, holds significant promise in India’s quest for clean and sustainable energy. As the state powers toward industrial growth and rural electrification, the spotlight has turned sharply to hydropower—a renewable resource that aligns with environmental goals while supporting large-scale infrastructure development.

However, with China having recently launched construction of a massive multi-dam cascade on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra’s upper course) in Tibet, the conversation around hydropower in Assam has acquired a new, urgent dimension. It’s no longer just about energy generation—it’s about water security, regional sovereignty, and strategic parity.

China’s Mega-Dam: A Turning Point for the Brahmaputra Basin

China has officially began work on a massive dam project at Mainling in Tibet’s Nyingchi Prefecture, just upstream of Arunachal Pradesh. This infrastructure includes a cascade of five hydropower stations, with a total investment exceeding ¥1.2 trillion (approx. USD 167 billion). The facility is expected to generate over 300 billion kWh of power annually, outpacing even the Three Gorges Dam.

Although Chinese authorities have stated that the project is strictly for clean energy and will not harm downstream nations, Indian analysts remain deeply concerned. Located near the Great Bend, this dam grants Beijing unprecedented control over the Brahmaputra’s upper waters.

For Assam, this is a seismic development—both literally and metaphorically.

Why It Matters for Assam

The Brahmaputra is not just a river; it’s the lifeblood of Assam’s agriculture, fisheries, and economy. Any upstream interference, intentional or accidental, can drastically alter:

• Water availability during dry seasons

• Flood patterns and disaster vulnerability

• Sediment supply critical for farming

• Aquatic ecosystems and biodiversity

This development also brings India’s downstream usage rights into sharper focus. If India delays in establishing its own large-scale usage of Brahmaputra waters, it may lose strategic and legal leverage in future water-sharing negotiations with China.

Hence, accelerating key projects like the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) is no longer optional—it is essential.

Subansiri Lower Project: Assam’s Strategic and Economic Keystone

The SLHEP, being developed by NHPC, is India’s largest hydroelectric project under construction with a planned capacity of 2,000 MW. It is located on the Subansiri River, a significant tributary of the Brahmaputra, straddling the border of Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

The project is designed to produce over 7.5 billion units of electricity annually, contributing substantially to the national grid while addressing Northeast India’s chronic energy deficits.

SLHEP in the Geopolitical Equation

With China upstream, SLHEP serves not only as a power generator but also as a strategic riparian asset. By operationalizing the project, India reinforces its claim to “prior use” of Brahmaputra waters under international law, which could become vital in the face of upstream restrictions or alterations.

Economic Benefits and Royalty Sharing: Assam vs. Arunachal

A key feature of the SLHEP is the division of free power (royalty) between the two states where it is located:

Additionally, Assam has been allocated 508 MW of the generated power under central policy, which it can purchase at concessional, regulated rates—far below market prices.

This arrangement ensures:

• Financial savings of Rs 400–600 crore annually in power procurement

• Steady supply to offset power outages

• Capacity to lower tariffs and attract industry

• Royalty-based revenues for state budgeting

Although Arunachal gets the lion’s share of free power, Assam still stands to gain significantly through direct allocation, purchase entitlements, and infrastructure support.

Infrastructure and Employment Spillovers

Beyond power generation, SLHEP has catalyzed:

• Improved road networks in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji

• New bridges and transmission lines, enhancing connectivity to remote districts

• Local employment for thousands of skilled and unskilled workers

• Opportunities for local businesses in logistics, catering, transport, and supply contracts

These secondary benefits are especially crucial for border district development and economic inclusion.

Environmental and Social Concerns: Can They Be Balanced?

SLHEP has faced significant resistance from civil society groups like the Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS) and environmental activists. Critics have raised concerns about:

• Seismic vulnerability in the Eastern Himalayas

• Displacement of indigenous communities

• Alteration of downstream river flow and fisheries

• Flood risk in case of dam failure or sudden release

In response, NHPC and government bodies have introduced:

• AI-based dam monitoring systems

• Seismic-resistant design upgrades

• Environmental flow regulations

• Resettlement and rehabilitation packages

However, more transparency, local participation, and grievance redress mechanisms are still needed to ensure long-term trust and sustainability.

Hydropower as Diplomacy and Development

The Subansiri project—and others planned along the Siang, Lohit, and Dibang rivers—should be viewed not just as infrastructure, but as diplomatic tools. They help establish:

• India’s active use of transboundary waters

• Economic leverage in international climate negotiations

• Strategic readiness in case of upstream manipulation by China

Assam, due to its location and stake in these projects, becomes the linchpin of India’s hydropower diplomacy in the Northeast.

Conclusion: Time to Harness the River, Responsibly

China’s decision to build the world’s most powerful dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo has upended the calculus of river politics in Asia. For Assam, it presents both a threat and an opportunity.

By accelerating the Subansiri project—with full ecological safeguards and community consent—Assam can:

• Strengthen energy sovereignty

• Assert its share of river rights

• Earn long-term royalties

• Build climate-resilient infrastructure

• Serve as a bulwark against upstream control

Hydropower, when pursued with science and sincerity, can light up homes, fuel industries, and fortify borders.

In this new geopolitical reality, Assam’s hydropower projects are not just about development—they are about destiny.