Guwahati, Jun 3 (PTI) - Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma addressed concerns on Tuesday about potential disruptions to the Brahmaputra River's flow from China, following India's decision to hold the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) with Pakistan in abeyance.
Sarma emphasized that, though China has not indicated any intention to restrict the Brahmaputra, such a move might curb annual flooding in Assam. He noted that only 30-35% of the river's flow originates from glacial melts and Tibetan rainfall, with the remainder coming from heavy rains in Northeast India.
In a social media post titled "What If China Stops Brahmaputra Water to India? A Response to Pakistan's New Scare Narrative," Sarma stated, "After India's decisive move away from the Indus Waters Treaty, Pakistan has concocted a new threat: what if China halts the Brahmaputra's flow into India?" He urged people to counter this narrative with facts, not fear.
Sarma argued that any reduction in Brahmaputra's flow from China—a scenario he deems unlikely—could ease annual Assam floods that cause displacement and damage. He criticized Pakistan for its reaction to India's stance, stating, "Pakistan, accustomed to decades of preferential water access under the Indus Water Treaty, is now anxious as India asserts its rights."
The Chief Minister highlighted that the Brahmaputra's flow expands in India, not diminishes. He reiterated that China contributes only about 30-35% to the river's flow, with the majority fed by monsoons in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Nagaland, and Meghalaya.
Key tributaries like Subansiri, Lohit, Kameng, Manas, Dhansiri, Jia-Bharali, and Kopili bolster the river's flow. Additional water comes from rivers like Krishnai, Digaru, and Kulsi originating in the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia Hills, he explained.
"At the India-China border (Tuting), the river's flow is approximately 2,000-3,000 m³/s. Upon reaching the plains of Assam near Guwahati, this increases to 15,000-20,000 m³/s during the monsoon," Sarma elaborated.
Concluding his remarks, Sarma asserted that the Brahmaputra is primarily a rain-fed river system, nourished after it enters Indian soil. "The Brahmaputra is not dominated by a single source. It draws strength from our geography, monsoon pattern, and civilizational resilience," he stated.
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