[Date Prev][Date Next][Thread Prev][Thread Next][Date Index][Thread Index]

dam-l BIGGEST DAM IN THE WORLD PROPOSED FOR TIBET

Just when you thought Three Gorges was big enough and mega dams were on
their way out.

The Chinese government are planning the construction of a dam in Tibet that
could be the largest dam ever.

Following is the text of an AFP Beijing release, the details are scant.  I
have some extra details on the location of this dam as this is not the
first I've heard of it.  This announcement brings the reality of the
proposal one step closer.

****************************************************************************
********
Three Experts Propose Construction of a Giant Dam in Tibet.

Beijing, Sept 5 (AFP) - A giant dam larger than the Three Gorges and
expected to be the biggest hydroelectric plant in the world could be
constructed in the next century in Tibet, a Chinese newspaper said Friday. 
"After a long experience of exploration on the site, we believe that the
project could begin to be included in the agenda of the concerned
departments," the article in the Guangming Daily said.
Although it warned: "The lack of information on the configuration of the
terrain would make the project something unattainable," it said.
The authors claimed "a long experience in exploring the Tibetan plateau."
The river Brahmapoutre, which falls from the Yalutsan mountain, could
generate 40 million kilowatts per hour, double that of the Three Gorges
over the Yangtse river once its 26 turbines begin operation in 2009, the
newspaper said.
The electricity produced could be "exported to India, Bangladesh and
Burma," the authors said.
In China, the diverted water could irrigate the northwestern deserts of the
country, which could also help ease overpopulation problems in the
country's east.
Internal documents disclosed by Tibetan organizations in exile said
authorities have eagerly tried to open up the region, one of the poorest in
China, to counter the action of separatist groups.
The first large power center in Tibet was inaugurated in June near the
Yamdrok Tso lake.  The opening, aimed at supplying electricity to Lhassa,
the provincial capital, sparked strong opposition from the Tibetan
population who consider the lake water sacred.

Js/jal/rpm

AFP 0515161 GMT Sep 97

*********************************************************************. 

I believe that this dam could be on or after the great bend of the Tsangpo.
 Just north of the Indian (Arunachal Pradesh) border, the Tsangpo takes a
huge bend around itself and disappears into gorge in which it drops 4-5000m
in 45Km (figures need verifying).  

The Tsangpo is often referred to as the Brahmaputra and plans to build a
giant 40,000Mw dam at the Tsangpo bend have been mentioned before.

The upper valley is cultivated by Tibetan farmers who will surely lose out
if such a scheme goes ahead.

This dam cannot be built without severe damage to the environment and will
surely not be approved by the Tibetan people.

I propose that progress of this plan should be monitored by all concerned
and an action plan drawn up should the Chinese government start to offer
contracts and look for funding for such a monstrous scheme.

Any ideas and suggestions?


Lorne Stockman