China has operationalised the $1.5 billion Zam Hydropower Station, the largest in Tibet — built on the Brahmaputra River. The dam has ignited concerns in India over the likelihood of disruption of water supplies. The dam has also raised concerns in India over China’s ability to release water in times of conflict, which could pose serious risk of flooding.

Located in the Gyaca County, Shannan Prefecture, the Zam Hydropower Station, also known as Zangmu Hydropower Station, harnesses the rich water resources of Brahmaputra known in Tibet as Yarlung Zangbo River, a major river which flows through Tibet into India and later into Bangladesh.

India has been taking up the issue with China for the past few years. Under the understanding reached in 2013, the Chinese side agreed to provide more flood data of Brahmaputra from May to October, instead of June to October. India is concerned that if the waters are diverted, then projects on the Brahmaputra, particularly the Upper Siang and Lower Suhansri projects in Arunachal Pradesh, may get affected.

The Zam Hydropower Station, considered to be the world’s highest-altitude hydropower station and the largest of its kind, will produce 2.5 billion KW-hours of electricity a year.