<p>Sudan&nbsp;warned Friday it could take legal action against Ethiopia if it goes ahead with plans to fill a mega-dam on the Blue Nile without a deal with Khartoum and Cairo.</p>

<p>Water Minister Yasser Abbas also said in a tweet that Ethiopia has raised "objections" to an invitation by&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;to attend three-way talks to discuss the controversial dam.</p>

<p>Egypt,&nbsp;Sudan, and Ethiopia have been locked in inconclusive talks for nearly a decade over the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) which broke ground in 2011.&nbsp;Cairo has regarded the dam as an existential threat to its water supplies, while Khartoum fears its own dams would be harmed if Ethiopia fills the reservoir without a deal.</p>

<p>Last week,&nbsp;Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok invited his Egyptian and Ethiopian counterparts to a closed meeting after recent African Union-sponsored negotiations failed to produce a deal. Ethiopia has objected to the invitation of Sudanese prime minister Abdalla Hamdok for a three-way summit and we see that there is no justification for that," Abbas tweeted.</p>

<p>Addis Ababa announced last July that it had filled part of the barrage with a second stage due to take place this coming July, even if no agreement has been with Cairo and Khartoum.&nbsp;If Ethiopia goes ahead with the filling,&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;"would file lawsuits against the Italian company constructing the dam and the Ethiopian government", Abbas warned.&nbsp;He said the lawsuits would highlight that the "environmental and social impact as well as the dangers of the dam" have not been taken into adequate consideration.</p>

<p>The tensions over the dam come as&nbsp;Sudan's relations with Egypt warm while its relations with Ethiopia have been hit by a dispute over the use of the Fashaga farmland near their common border.</p>

<p>In March,&nbsp;Sudan&nbsp;said it has accepted an offer by the United Arab Emirates to mediate with Ethiopia over GERD and the contested border region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Abbas said the UAE's initiative included investment opportunities in the Fashaga region as well as "unofficial bid to bridge the gap in views with regard to GERD".&nbsp;</p>


Sudan warned Friday it could take legal action against Ethiopia if it goes ahead with plans to fill a mega-dam on the Blue Nile without a deal with Khartoum and Cairo.

Sudan warned Friday it could take legal action against Ethiopia if it goes ahead with plans to fill a mega-dam on the Blue Nile without a deal with Khartoum and Cairo. Water Minister Yasser Abbas also said in a tweet that Ethiopia has raised "objections" to an invitation by Sudan to attend three-way talks to discuss the controversial dam. Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia have been locked in inconclusive talks for nearly a decade over the filling and operation of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) which broke ground in 2011. Cairo has regarded the dam as an existential threat to its water supplies, while Khartoum fears its own dams would be harmed if Ethiopia fills the reservoir without a deal. Last week, Sudan's Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok invited his Egyptian and Ethiopian counterparts to a closed meeting after recent African Union-sponsored negotiations failed to produce a deal. Ethiopia has objected to the invitation of Sudanese prime minister Abdalla Hamdok for a three-way summit and we see that there is no justification for that," Abbas tweeted. Addis Ababa announced last July that it had filled part of the barrage with a second stage due to take place this coming July, even if no agreement has been with Cairo and Khartoum. If Ethiopia goes ahead with the filling, Sudan "would file lawsuits against the Italian company constructing the dam and the Ethiopian government", Abbas warned. He said the lawsuits would highlight that the "environmental and social impact as well as the dangers of the dam" have not been taken into adequate consideration. The tensions over the dam come as Sudan's relations with Egypt warm while its relations with Ethiopia have been hit by a dispute over the use of the Fashaga farmland near their common border. In March, Sudan said it has accepted an offer by the United Arab Emirates to mediate with Ethiopia over GERD and the contested border region. Abbas said the UAE's initiative included investment opportunities in the Fashaga region as well as "unofficial bid to bridge the gap in views with regard to GERD".

Sudan warns of legal action against Ethiopia over dam

<p>While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother&nbsp;China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These dams will be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra on the Chinese side.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So, let's understand why India has a reason to worry. The Mekong river, which flows through the Thai-Lao border, has vanished or gone dry in two years. &nbsp;</p>

<p>What happened to the Mekong can be understood from satellite images, where Chinese dams have been hoarding the water of the Mekong, while South East Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam are longing for its water.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, those living along the banks of the Brahmaputra could meet a similar fate. Reports say that&nbsp;Beijing has greenlighted the construction of dams on the river. They could be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra, which fall inside Tibet. Other major projects include the construction of coastal nuclear power plants and power transmission channels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These plans are part of the 14th five-year plan of China. Reports say Beijing could build up to 60 giga watts of power generation capacity on the river, making it the biggest hydropower project in the world. One that would overtake China's own Three Gorges dam that produces 22.5 giga watts of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India is said to be considering its own plans to build a dam on the Brahmaputra, while there is concern that Beijing wants to control the flow of waters towards India. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Bigger problems could be in store. According to a report, environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists are against these Chinese projects. They believe the dams could 'wreak environmental havoc' and have a severe impact on downstream water supplies. One analyst fears that the constant construction could lead to earthquakes and landslides and even submerge land and forests under water and endanger wildlife.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The dams pose a threat to human life too. Case in point: the Three Gorges dam. Beijing touted this project as the world's largest dam. It ended up flooding 13 cities, 140 towns and more than 1,000 villages. According to one estimate, more than one million people were displaced. Now, similar concerns are being raised about the Chinese dams on the Brahmaputra. Experts fear that they could lead to floods or droughts and cause immense environmental destruction.&nbsp;</p>


While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India.

While Pakistan struggles, it's iron brother China is keen on giving more headaches to New Delhi. China has cleared a hydropower project in Tibet, close to the border with India. These dams will be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra on the Chinese side. So, let's understand why India has a reason to worry. The Mekong river, which flows through the Thai-Lao border, has vanished or gone dry in two years. What happened to the Mekong can be understood from satellite images, where Chinese dams have been hoarding the water of the Mekong, while South East Asian countries, such as Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam are longing for its water. Now, those living along the banks of the Brahmaputra could meet a similar fate. Reports say that Beijing has greenlighted the construction of dams on the river. They could be built on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra, which fall inside Tibet. Other major projects include the construction of coastal nuclear power plants and power transmission channels. These plans are part of the 14th five-year plan of China. Reports say Beijing could build up to 60 giga watts of power generation capacity on the river, making it the biggest hydropower project in the world. One that would overtake China's own Three Gorges dam that produces 22.5 giga watts of power. India is said to be considering its own plans to build a dam on the Brahmaputra, while there is concern that Beijing wants to control the flow of waters towards India. Bigger problems could be in store. According to a report, environmental groups and Tibetan rights activists are against these Chinese projects. They believe the dams could 'wreak environmental havoc' and have a severe impact on downstream water supplies. One analyst fears that the constant construction could lead to earthquakes and landslides and even submerge land and forests under water and endanger wildlife. The dams pose a threat to human life too. Case in point: the Three Gorges dam. Beijing touted this project as the world's largest dam. It ended up flooding 13 cities, 140 towns and more than 1,000 villages. According to one estimate, more than one million people were displaced. Now, similar concerns are being raised about the Chinese dams on the Brahmaputra. Experts fear that they could lead to floods or droughts and cause immense environmental destruction.

China's hydropower project in Tibet a reason to worry for India 

<p>The United States says it has decided to de-link its suspension of millions of dollars of aid to Ethiopia from that country's dispute with Egypt over a massive hydroelectric dam project.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the State Department early on Friday said that does not mean all the roughly USD 272 million in security and development assistance will immediately start to flow, and it depends on more recent 'developments', an apparent reference to the deadly conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The State Department said humanitarian assistance remains exempt from the aid suspension.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It said it has informed Ethiopia's government. A spokeswoman for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed did not immediately respond to a request for comment.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Ethiopians were furious after former President Donald Trump last year directed the suspension of aid to their country in a rare example of his direct involvement in an African issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ethiopia had left a US-led attempt to mediate the dispute with Egypt, alleging bias.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump also caused an uproar by saying downstream Egypt would blow up the dam project that Cairo considers an existential threat.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ethiopia asserts that the US $4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam that it has nearly completed on the Blue Nile River is essential for development and the pulling of millions of people out of poverty. Egypt says it threatens its water supply.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-affirms-support-for-normalisation-of-ties-between-israel-arab-nations-364613">Biden affirms support for normalisation of ties between Israel, Arab nations</a></strong></p>

<p>Ethiopia is now under pressure from the US and others including the European Union and United Nations over the deadly fighting in its northern Tigray region, where some six million people have been largely cut off from the world since fighting began in November between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Witness accounts have emerged of massacres, people beginning to starve to death and the presence of thousands of soldiers from neighbouring Eritrea, which Ethiopia's government has denied.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US has said Eritrean soldiers should immediately leave Ethiopia. And earlier this week, a State Department spokesperson said we remain gravely concerned by the widespread humanitarian suffering and reported human rights abuses in the Tigray region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spokesperson urged an immediate end to the fighting in Tigray, full and unhindered humanitarian access, an independent investigation into the human rights violations and abuses and for those responsible to be held accountable.</p>


The United States says it has decided to de-link its suspension of millions of dollars of aid to Ethiopia from that country's dispute with Egypt over a massive hydroelectric dam project.

The United States says it has decided to de-link its suspension of millions of dollars of aid to Ethiopia from that country's dispute with Egypt over a massive hydroelectric dam project. But the State Department early on Friday said that does not mean all the roughly USD 272 million in security and development assistance will immediately start to flow, and it depends on more recent 'developments', an apparent reference to the deadly conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region. The State Department said humanitarian assistance remains exempt from the aid suspension. It said it has informed Ethiopia's government. A spokeswoman for Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed did not immediately respond to a request for comment. × Ethiopians were furious after former President Donald Trump last year directed the suspension of aid to their country in a rare example of his direct involvement in an African issue. Ethiopia had left a US-led attempt to mediate the dispute with Egypt, alleging bias. Trump also caused an uproar by saying downstream Egypt would blow up the dam project that Cairo considers an existential threat. Ethiopia asserts that the US $4.6 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam that it has nearly completed on the Blue Nile River is essential for development and the pulling of millions of people out of poverty. Egypt says it threatens its water supply. Also Read: Biden affirms support for normalisation of ties between Israel, Arab nations Ethiopia is now under pressure from the US and others including the European Union and United Nations over the deadly fighting in its northern Tigray region, where some six million people have been largely cut off from the world since fighting began in November between Ethiopian and allied forces and Tigray ones. Witness accounts have emerged of massacres, people beginning to starve to death and the presence of thousands of soldiers from neighbouring Eritrea, which Ethiopia's government has denied. The US has said Eritrean soldiers should immediately leave Ethiopia. And earlier this week, a State Department spokesperson said we remain gravely concerned by the widespread humanitarian suffering and reported human rights abuses in the Tigray region. The spokesperson urged an immediate end to the fighting in Tigray, full and unhindered humanitarian access, an independent investigation into the human rights violations and abuses and for those responsible to be held accountable.

US: Aid pause to Ethiopia no longer linked to dam dispute

Sudan joins a new round of talks with Egypt and Ethiopia in a bid to resolve a long-running dispute over a huge Ethiopian dam on the Blue Nile.

Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia agrees to continue negotiations on Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam

Nile dam talks: Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan reopen years-long negotiations

Just a couple of days after Chinese media reported on country's intention to construct Dam on Brahmaputra river in the Tibet region, India has now said that it is considering a plan of it's own to build a hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh.

Reports: India plans Dam to offset Chinese Dam upstream on Brahmaputra

<p>China is reportedly planning to construct a&nbsp;major hydropower project on Brahmaputra river in Tibet, official media sources have reported on Monday.</p>

<p>The proposal for this project was presented in the&nbsp;14th Five-Year Plan, and the construction will begin from next year. Talking about the project,&nbsp;Yan Zhiyong, chairman of the Power Construction Corp of China, said China will "implement hydropower exploitation in the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo River" <em>(the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra).</em></p>

<p>It is being constructed with the aim of&nbsp;maintaining water resources and domestic security, the Chinese government's mouthpiece Global Times reported.</p>

<p>Claiming it as a historic opportunity for the Chinese&nbsp;hydropower industry, Yan informed that the project was mentioned clearly in the 14th Five-Year Plan of the years 2021-2025, and its long-term goals through 2035 made by the Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC). "There is no parallel in history... it will be a historic opportunity for the Chinese hydropower industry," he claimed.</p>

<p>The details of this plan will, assumably, be released after the formal approval by the National People's Congress (NPC) — which may happen next year.</p>

<p>This project has raised concerns for the South Asian countries India and Bangladesh. The Indian government has urged China to keep the interests of the downstream areas and make sure that the&nbsp;trans-border rivers' usage rights are not harmed by the upstream areas. China, downplaying the importance of these concerns, has said it will keep in mind the anxieties and concerns raised by the South Asian countries.</p>

<p>Yan has claimed the project is important for&nbsp;environment, national security, living standards, energy and international cooperation.</p>

<p>According to reports, the mainstream of the Yarlung Zangbo River has the richest water resources in Tibet Autonomous Region, about 80 million kilowatt hours (kWh), while the 50-kilometer section of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon has 70 million kWh that could be developed with a 2,000-meter drop, which equals more than three Three Gorges power stations in Hubei province.</p>

<p>India will be keeping a close eye on this development and will raise concerns under the&nbsp;Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) which was established between the two countries in 2006.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


China is reportedly planning to construct a major hydropower project on Brahmaputra river in Tibet, official media sources have reported on Monday. The proposal for this project was presented in the 14th Five-Year Plan, and the construction will begin from next year.

China is reportedly planning to construct a major hydropower project on Brahmaputra river in Tibet, official media sources have reported on Monday. The proposal for this project was presented in the 14th Five-Year Plan, and the construction will begin from next year. Talking about the project, Yan Zhiyong, chairman of the Power Construction Corp of China, said China will "implement hydropower exploitation in the downstream of the Yarlung Zangbo River" (the Tibetan name for the Brahmaputra). It is being constructed with the aim of maintaining water resources and domestic security, the Chinese government's mouthpiece Global Times reported. Claiming it as a historic opportunity for the Chinese hydropower industry, Yan informed that the project was mentioned clearly in the 14th Five-Year Plan of the years 2021-2025, and its long-term goals through 2035 made by the Central Committee of the ruling Communist Party of China (CPC). "There is no parallel in history... it will be a historic opportunity for the Chinese hydropower industry," he claimed. The details of this plan will, assumably, be released after the formal approval by the National People's Congress (NPC) — which may happen next year. This project has raised concerns for the South Asian countries India and Bangladesh. The Indian government has urged China to keep the interests of the downstream areas and make sure that the trans-border rivers' usage rights are not harmed by the upstream areas. China, downplaying the importance of these concerns, has said it will keep in mind the anxieties and concerns raised by the South Asian countries. Yan has claimed the project is important for environment, national security, living standards, energy and international cooperation. According to reports, the mainstream of the Yarlung Zangbo River has the richest water resources in Tibet Autonomous Region, about 80 million kilowatt hours (kWh), while the 50-kilometer section of the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon has 70 million kWh that could be developed with a 2,000-meter drop, which equals more than three Three Gorges power stations in Hubei province. India will be keeping a close eye on this development and will raise concerns under the Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) which was established between the two countries in 2006. (With inputs from agencies)

China prepares to build dam on Brahmaputra river in Tibet; India raises concern

<p>Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan declared that his government will build the biggest dam in the country's history.</p>

<p>The Pakistan PM was talking about the controversial Diamer-Bhasha dam. PM Imran Khan's visit to the site officially signalled&nbsp;the start of construction.</p>

<p>The dam will be built on the Indus River in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK). Upon completion in 2028, it will be the world's highest roller compacted concrete dam. It will provide cheap electricity, irrigate farmland and create jobs -&nbsp;at least that's the promise.</p>

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<p>The project has seen four inaugurations by four prime ministers in four decades. Finally, construction has begun but it would not have been possible without China's help.</p>

<p>The project faces high costs, territorial dispute with India and local protests. The total cost of the project is pegged at $14 billion. For fifty years, Pakistan has been trying to secure funds.</p>

<p>Since 1980, it has gone to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Western allies&nbsp;but they all refused because the project is in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.</p>

<p>In 2018, surprisingly, Pakistan's top judge ordered a crowd-funding campaign to kickstart the project but&nbsp;the collection fell short of the target. With no options left, Pakistan finally turned to China. The dam was made part of the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC).</p>

<p>Now, Imran Khan is showcasing it as a matter of national pride. The fact is that it&nbsp;will be a Chinese dam. With a 70 per cent stake, China is the major shareholder.</p>

<p>India has protested asserting that the&nbsp;project is in Indian territory under Pakistan's illegal occupation. Also protesting are the locals in Gilgit-Baltistan. The dam is likely to submerge 32 villages in Diamer district alone.</p>

<p>Nearly 50,000 people will be displaced. Those who have already lost their land are not being given compensation. They also stand to lose their cultural heritage. Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions in 50 villages will go underwater.</p>

<p>The Diamer-Bhasha dam is not the only controversial project in the region.&nbsp;Azad Pattan and Kohala hydroelectric projects&nbsp;are facing similar issues with both dams being built in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.</p>

<p>Both face stern opposition from the locals and from India and both are being funded by the Chinese. Imran Khan's showpiece dam is more of a liability than an asset. The discontent and debt are Pakistan's fate and the dam is made by China.</p>


Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan declared that his government will build the biggest dam in the country's history. The Pakistan PM was talking about the controversial Diamer-Bhasha dam.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan declared that his government will build the biggest dam in the country's history. The Pakistan PM was talking about the controversial Diamer-Bhasha dam. PM Imran Khan's visit to the site officially signalled the start of construction. The dam will be built on the Indus River in Gilgit-Baltistan, which is in Pakistan occupied Kashmir(PoK). Upon completion in 2028, it will be the world's highest roller compacted concrete dam. It will provide cheap electricity, irrigate farmland and create jobs - at least that's the promise. The project has seen four inaugurations by four prime ministers in four decades. Finally, construction has begun but it would not have been possible without China's help. The project faces high costs, territorial dispute with India and local protests. The total cost of the project is pegged at $14 billion. For fifty years, Pakistan has been trying to secure funds. Since 1980, it has gone to the World Bank, Asian Development Bank and Western allies but they all refused because the project is in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. In 2018, surprisingly, Pakistan's top judge ordered a crowd-funding campaign to kickstart the project but the collection fell short of the target. With no options left, Pakistan finally turned to China. The dam was made part of the China-Pakistan economic corridor(CPEC). Now, Imran Khan is showcasing it as a matter of national pride. The fact is that it will be a Chinese dam. With a 70 per cent stake, China is the major shareholder. India has protested asserting that the project is in Indian territory under Pakistan's illegal occupation. Also protesting are the locals in Gilgit-Baltistan. The dam is likely to submerge 32 villages in Diamer district alone. Nearly 50,000 people will be displaced. Those who have already lost their land are not being given compensation. They also stand to lose their cultural heritage. Buddhist sculptures and inscriptions in 50 villages will go underwater. The Diamer-Bhasha dam is not the only controversial project in the region. Azad Pattan and Kohala hydroelectric projects are facing similar issues with both dams being built in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. Both face stern opposition from the locals and from India and both are being funded by the Chinese. Imran Khan's showpiece dam is more of a liability than an asset. The discontent and debt are Pakistan's fate and the dam is made by China.

Now, China funds Pakistan's Diamer-Bhasha dam project in PoK as construction begins

<p>In a rather distasteful episode, a German radio host equated popular Korean pop band BTS to coronavirus. The radio host has now apologised for outrage over the statement on the internet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It so happened that the radio host was talking of BTS’ cover of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ that they performed in the much-talked-about MTV Unplugged episode that recently aired. They first called the cover of BTS “blasphemy” before calling the BTS “some crappy virus that hopefully there will be a vaccine for soon as well."</p>

<p>The German radio host, almost anticipating hatred over the racist statement, also said, "You can't accuse me of xenophobia," he said, pointing out that he has "a car from South Korea" which is "the coolest car ever."</p>

<p>The radio host Matuschik, after receiving backlash said he did not mean to "racially insult" <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/bts">BTS </a>and said linking them to the coronavirus was "completely wrong."</p>

<p>Bayern 3, the radio station, also defended Matuschik, insisting it was not his intention to "hurt the feelings of the BTS fans."</p>

<p>"It is the character of this show and also of the presenter to express his opinion clearly, openly and unvarnished. In this case, he overshot the mark in his choice of words in an attempt to present his opinion in an ironically exaggerated manner and with exaggeratedly feigned excitement, and thus hurt the feelings of the BTS fans," the station said.</p>

<p>Following even more criticism for their statement, Bayern 3 issued another statement, apologizing for Matuschik's statement on BTS and "resolutely distances itself from any form of racism, marginalisation and discrimination.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-dylan-farrow-asks-people-to-show-empathy-as-allen-v-farrow-new-episode-drops-367217" hreflang="en">Dylan Farrow asks people to show 'empathy' as 'Allen v. Farrow' new episode drops</a></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-rihanna-sizzles-in-bikini-as-she-announces-new-savage-x-fenty-campaign-367195" hreflang="en">Rihanna sizzles in bikini as she announces new Savage X Fenty campaign</a></p>


In a rather distasteful episode, a German radio host equated popular Korean pop band BTS to coronavirus. The radio host has now apologised for outrage over the statement on the internet.

In a rather distasteful episode, a German radio host equated popular Korean pop band BTS to coronavirus. The radio host has now apologised for outrage over the statement on the internet. It so happened that the radio host was talking of BTS’ cover of Coldplay’s ‘Fix You’ that they performed in the much-talked-about MTV Unplugged episode that recently aired. They first called the cover of BTS “blasphemy” before calling the BTS “some crappy virus that hopefully there will be a vaccine for soon as well." The German radio host, almost anticipating hatred over the racist statement, also said, "You can't accuse me of xenophobia," he said, pointing out that he has "a car from South Korea" which is "the coolest car ever." The radio host Matuschik, after receiving backlash said he did not mean to "racially insult" BTS and said linking them to the coronavirus was "completely wrong." Bayern 3, the radio station, also defended Matuschik, insisting it was not his intention to "hurt the feelings of the BTS fans." "It is the character of this show and also of the presenter to express his opinion clearly, openly and unvarnished. In this case, he overshot the mark in his choice of words in an attempt to present his opinion in an ironically exaggerated manner and with exaggeratedly feigned excitement, and thus hurt the feelings of the BTS fans," the station said. Following even more criticism for their statement, Bayern 3 issued another statement, apologizing for Matuschik's statement on BTS and "resolutely distances itself from any form of racism, marginalisation and discrimination.” Dylan Farrow asks people to show 'empathy' as 'Allen v. Farrow' new episode drops Rihanna sizzles in bikini as she announces new Savage X Fenty campaign

Mushroom producer suffers heavy loss after Typhoon Hagibis sweeps by

<p>Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said once it was a big deal for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/gujarat-sardar-sarovar-dam-illuminates-with-bright-colours-ahead-of-prime-minister-modis-visit-250086">Sardar Sarovar Dam</a> to clock 122 metres of water but now its level has reached 138 metres.</p>

<p>"The dream that Sardar Patel had dreamed of is being fulfilled decades later and that too in front of the grand statue of Sardar Saheb. We have seen the Sardar Sarovar dam full for the first time."</p>

<p>"There was a time when reaching the target of 122 meters was a big deal.&nbsp;But today, within 5 years, it is amazing and unforgettable to see that Sardar Sarovar is filled till 138 meters," he said while addressing people at Sardar Sarovar Dam site.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: How Modi rejuvenates the Indian diaspora worldwide</strong></p>

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<p>"Today is also Vishwakarma jii day. In the resolve to move towards creating a new India, creativity like Lord Vishwakarma and will power to achieve big goals are very important," The Prime Minister said.</p>

<p>Modi, who was in Gujarat on his 69th birthday also offered prayers to the Narmada at the dam site.</p>

<p>He also visited the Control Room of the Sardar Sarovar Dam.</p>

<p>"On one side is the Sardar Sarovar dam, there is electricity-generating equipment. On the other side, there are very beautiful arrangements related to eco-tourism like Ekta Nursery, Butterfly Garden.&nbsp;Amidst all this, a grand statue of Sardar Patel is seen blessing us. Today is the day to express gratitude to all the people who have contributed to this dam," he said.</p>

<p>The dam was illuminated with bright coloured lighting on late Monday night ahead of his arrival. The Prime Minister said that he will achieve every goal of new India with the inspiration of Sardar Patel.</p>

<p>"Today both the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the world's tallest statue of Sardar Saheb symbolize that willpower.&nbsp;I believe that with his inspiration we will prove every resolve associated with the new India, we will achieve every goal. Today's occasion is also very emotional," he said.</p>

<p>Modi said that the dam is significant for Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra</p>


Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said once it was a big deal for Sardar Sarovar Dam to clock 122 metres of water but now its level has reached 138 metres.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said once it was a big deal for Sardar Sarovar Dam to clock 122 metres of water but now its level has reached 138 metres. "The dream that Sardar Patel had dreamed of is being fulfilled decades later and that too in front of the grand statue of Sardar Saheb. We have seen the Sardar Sarovar dam full for the first time." "There was a time when reaching the target of 122 meters was a big deal. But today, within 5 years, it is amazing and unforgettable to see that Sardar Sarovar is filled till 138 meters," he said while addressing people at Sardar Sarovar Dam site. Watch: How Modi rejuvenates the Indian diaspora worldwide × "Today is also Vishwakarma jii day. In the resolve to move towards creating a new India, creativity like Lord Vishwakarma and will power to achieve big goals are very important," The Prime Minister said. Modi, who was in Gujarat on his 69th birthday also offered prayers to the Narmada at the dam site. He also visited the Control Room of the Sardar Sarovar Dam. "On one side is the Sardar Sarovar dam, there is electricity-generating equipment. On the other side, there are very beautiful arrangements related to eco-tourism like Ekta Nursery, Butterfly Garden. Amidst all this, a grand statue of Sardar Patel is seen blessing us. Today is the day to express gratitude to all the people who have contributed to this dam," he said. The dam was illuminated with bright coloured lighting on late Monday night ahead of his arrival. The Prime Minister said that he will achieve every goal of new India with the inspiration of Sardar Patel. "Today both the Sardar Sarovar Dam and the world's tallest statue of Sardar Saheb symbolize that willpower. I believe that with his inspiration we will prove every resolve associated with the new India, we will achieve every goal. Today's occasion is also very emotional," he said. Modi said that the dam is significant for Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra

Amazing, unforgettable to see water touching 138 metres in Sardar Sarovar Dam: PM Modi

<p>Hirakud dam authorities on Wednesday decided to open 10 sluice gates to release the floodwater amid heavy rainfall in the state.</p>

<p>As the water level in the reservoir inched close to its full capacity, only 10 gates were opened.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the authorities had open 20 gates to release the water in view of heavy rainfall.</p>

<p>The current water level of the reservoir is at 625.15ft.&nbsp;The full capacity of the reservoir is 630 ft.</p>

<p>The average inflow of water was measured at 2,52,017 cusecs while the outflow was 2,20,250 cusecs.</p>

<p>According to IMD forecast, Odisha is likely to receive one or two spells of rain or thundershowers with the cloudy sky for the next week.&nbsp;</p>


Hirakud dam authorities on Wednesday decided to open 10 sluice gates to release the floodwater amid heavy rainfall in the state. As the water level in the reservoir inched close to its full capacity, only 10 gates were opened.

Hirakud dam authorities on Wednesday decided to open 10 sluice gates to release the floodwater amid heavy rainfall in the state. As the water level in the reservoir inched close to its full capacity, only 10 gates were opened. Earlier in the day, the authorities had open 20 gates to release the water in view of heavy rainfall. The current water level of the reservoir is at 625.15ft. The full capacity of the reservoir is 630 ft. The average inflow of water was measured at 2,52,017 cusecs while the outflow was 2,20,250 cusecs. According to IMD forecast, Odisha is likely to receive one or two spells of rain or thundershowers with the cloudy sky for the next week.

Authorities open gates to release floodwater from Hirakud dam in Odisha

<p>With <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-chief-minister-yediyurappa-conducts-aerial-survey-of-flood-affected-areas-240826">the flood situation worsening in Maharashtra and its neighbouring states</a>, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday dialled his Karnataka counterpart B S Yediyurappa and requested him to discharge water from the Almatti dam.</p>

<p>'CM Devendra Fadnavis also spoke to Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa and requested on Almatti discharge. He assured of positive actions,' the statement from CMO Maharashtra read.</p>

<p>The Maharashtra Chief Minister also reviewed the flood situation in the Yavatnal area along with the Chief Secretary, Disaster Management Department and various Districts administration of the region.</p>

<p>'CM Devendra Fadnavis in is in continuous touch with CS [Chief Secretaries], all these agencies and situation is under control,' the notice from CMO Maharashtra read.</p>

<p>As many as six villages of Shirol Taluka, one from Hatkanangle, Chikhali, Ambewadi area, and Kolhapur city have been submerged in water due to the overflow of Panchganga river.</p>

<p>Two NDRF teams are carrying out rescue operations and more teams of the Army, Navy, and coastguard have been directed to reach the affected areas of Yavatnal at the earliest.</p>

<p>Not only that, but the rescue officials have also been given two helicopters for carrying out relief and rescue operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, 1500 families have been evacuated from Yavatbnal and the administration is continuously monitoring the situation.</p>


With the flood situation worsening in Maharashtra and its neighbouring states, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday dialled his Karnataka counterpart B S Yediyurappa and requested him to discharge water from the Almatti dam.

With the flood situation worsening in Maharashtra and its neighbouring states, chief minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday dialled his Karnataka counterpart B S Yediyurappa and requested him to discharge water from the Almatti dam. 'CM Devendra Fadnavis also spoke to Karnataka CM BS Yediyurappa and requested on Almatti discharge. He assured of positive actions,' the statement from CMO Maharashtra read. The Maharashtra Chief Minister also reviewed the flood situation in the Yavatnal area along with the Chief Secretary, Disaster Management Department and various Districts administration of the region. 'CM Devendra Fadnavis in is in continuous touch with CS [Chief Secretaries], all these agencies and situation is under control,' the notice from CMO Maharashtra read. As many as six villages of Shirol Taluka, one from Hatkanangle, Chikhali, Ambewadi area, and Kolhapur city have been submerged in water due to the overflow of Panchganga river. Two NDRF teams are carrying out rescue operations and more teams of the Army, Navy, and coastguard have been directed to reach the affected areas of Yavatnal at the earliest. Not only that, but the rescue officials have also been given two helicopters for carrying out relief and rescue operations. So far, 1500 families have been evacuated from Yavatbnal and the administration is continuously monitoring the situation.

Maharashtra chief minister dials his Karnataka counterpart on the flood situation

<p>A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday.</p>

<p>The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation.</p>

<p>The introduction of the bill was opposed by several opposition members who said that water and land are state subjects and the bill had been brought without proper consultation with states.</p>

<p>The bill entails the creation of the National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body, which will implement the policy, guidelines, and standards on dam safety in the country.</p>

<p>State committee on dam safety will be set up by the state governments. Every state will also set up a State Dam Safety Organisation.</p>

<p>A national committee on dam safety will be set up to evolve safety policies and recommend necessary regulations.</p>

<p>The bill seeks to address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, emergency action plan, adequate repair and maintenance funds, and instrumentation and the safety manuals.</p>

<p>The bill lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts.</p>

<p>Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the bill focuses on structural and not on operational safety.</p>


A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation.

A bill which seeks to provide uniform safety procedures for specified dams in the country was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Monday. The Dam Safety Bill, 2019 was introduced by Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat who said that 92 per cent of the dams in the country were inter-state and there was need for such a legislation. The introduction of the bill was opposed by several opposition members who said that water and land are state subjects and the bill had been brought without proper consultation with states. The bill entails the creation of the National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body, which will implement the policy, guidelines, and standards on dam safety in the country. State committee on dam safety will be set up by the state governments. Every state will also set up a State Dam Safety Organisation. A national committee on dam safety will be set up to evolve safety policies and recommend necessary regulations. The bill seeks to address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, emergency action plan, adequate repair and maintenance funds, and instrumentation and the safety manuals. The bill lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts. Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that the bill focuses on structural and not on operational safety.

Bill on dam safety introduced in Lok Sabha

<p>Brazilian authorities ordered Vale SA to evacuate around 500 people from a dam area at its Gongo Soco mine in the state of Minas Gerais on Friday as a preventive measure, the mining company said.</p>

<p>On January&nbsp;25, a mine operated by Vale collapsed in the town of Brumadinho in the same state, killing an estimated 300 people in Brazil's deadliest mining disaster ever.</p>

<p>In a separate development on Friday, inhabitants of a city close to another dam in Minas Gerais state, operated by Arcelor Mittal, were also evacuated, firefighters said but did not give details or say why the dam was at risk.</p>

<p>Vale said in a statement that the Brazilian mining agency ordered the evacuation at the dam at Gongo Soco after engineering consultancy Walm said a certificate guaranteeing stability conditions had not been issued for the dam.</p>

<p>Vale said it has intensified inspections in the area and was installing equipment to detect vibrations and bringing in international consultants to assess the situation.</p>

<p>As a security measure, 500 inhabitants of the city of Barão dos Cocais, where the dam is situated, were taken to a gymnasium nearby, the municipality said on its Facebook page.</p>

<p>Also on Friday, authorities closed a port terminal operated by Vale in Vitoria, in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, due to pollution issues.</p>

<p>The municipality of Vitoria said on Thursday that it had fined the miner 35 million reais ($9.5 million) for throwing mining residues in the sea. Vale said in a statement that it would take appropriate measures but added that recent inspections by local authorities had not detected problems.</p>

<p>In the wake of the Brumadinho mining disaster, the state of Minas Gerais cancelled Vale's license to operate another dam and a mine in the state, as the company has come under intense public pressure following the accident.</p>

<p>On Tuesday Vale declared force majeure on some iron ore contracts after a court-ordered halt to a mine responsible for nearly 9 percent of its output following the disaster.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Brazilian authorities ordered Vale SA to evacuate around 500 people from a dam area at its Gongo Soco mine in the state of Minas Gerais on Friday as a preventive measure, the mining company said.

Brazilian authorities ordered Vale SA to evacuate around 500 people from a dam area at its Gongo Soco mine in the state of Minas Gerais on Friday as a preventive measure, the mining company said. On January 25, a mine operated by Vale collapsed in the town of Brumadinho in the same state, killing an estimated 300 people in Brazil's deadliest mining disaster ever. In a separate development on Friday, inhabitants of a city close to another dam in Minas Gerais state, operated by Arcelor Mittal, were also evacuated, firefighters said but did not give details or say why the dam was at risk. Vale said in a statement that the Brazilian mining agency ordered the evacuation at the dam at Gongo Soco after engineering consultancy Walm said a certificate guaranteeing stability conditions had not been issued for the dam. Vale said it has intensified inspections in the area and was installing equipment to detect vibrations and bringing in international consultants to assess the situation. As a security measure, 500 inhabitants of the city of Barão dos Cocais, where the dam is situated, were taken to a gymnasium nearby, the municipality said on its Facebook page. Also on Friday, authorities closed a port terminal operated by Vale in Vitoria, in the southeastern state of Espirito Santo, due to pollution issues. The municipality of Vitoria said on Thursday that it had fined the miner 35 million reais ($9.5 million) for throwing mining residues in the sea. Vale said in a statement that it would take appropriate measures but added that recent inspections by local authorities had not detected problems. In the wake of the Brumadinho mining disaster, the state of Minas Gerais cancelled Vale's license to operate another dam and a mine in the state, as the company has come under intense public pressure following the accident. On Tuesday Vale declared force majeure on some iron ore contracts after a court-ordered halt to a mine responsible for nearly 9 percent of its output following the disaster.

Brazil's Vale evacuates 500 people from dam area in preventive measure

<p>A few days ago, the Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson informed that China had not shared hydrological data with India on the Himalayan rivers this year. He sought to downplay the development by explaining that &ldquo;sometimes, due to some certain technical reasons data is not shared&rdquo;. He was clueless about the &ldquo;technical reasons&rdquo; and said he would be better equipped on the issue once the information was received from the &ldquo;relevant ministry&rdquo;. The spokesperson&#39;s valiant effort to mute the issue may be understandable, given that the government would not like to indulge in the provocation at the backdrop of the ongoing India-China standoff at Doklam. But there is no running away from the significance of Beijing&rsquo;s action.</p>

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<p>China is upset that its dual cajole-threat tactic hasn&rsquo;t worked in its favour on the Doklam issue. New Delhi has dug in its heels, and it&rsquo;s now close to three months that Indian troops have been stationed at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction, waiting for Beijing to withdraw its troops from Bhutanese territory. Perhaps, China has been taken by surprise &mdash; unlike in the past when India made light of incursions by the neighbour&rsquo;s People&rsquo;s Liberation Army, calling it a mere &ldquo;acne&rdquo; on the face.</p>

<p>This time, New Delhi appears in no mood to capitulate.</p>

<p>Besides, much to Beijing&rsquo;s annoyance, India continues to batter the former&rsquo;s all-weather friend Pakistan at international forums &mdash; to a level that Islamabad now stands globally discredited. Additionally, New Delhi&rsquo;s aggressive Act East policy has meant a sustained pressure on China in the region. It is, therefore, possible, that Beijing has decided to open a front in the form of a water war with India.</p>

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<h5>Since the points of origin of the two rivers are in China, and China becomes the upper riparian state, it becomes Beijing&rsquo;s responsibility to offer hydrological material to India.</h5>
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<p>In doing so, China is making a mockery of bilateral agreements with New Delhi. The India-China Expert Level mechanism was initiated in 2006 to share hydrological data during the flood season for the rivers Brahmaputra and Sutlej. Memorandums of Understanding were signed in 2013 and 2015, with China agreeing to share the data between May 15 to October 15 every year. Since the points of origin of the two rivers are in China, and China becomes the upper riparian state, it becomes Beijing&rsquo;s responsibility to offer hydrological material to India.</p>

<p>This sharing of data, from three upstream monitoring stations in Tibet, is critical to India&rsquo;s needs to contain floods in large parts of the country, especially in the North-East. Indeed, in recent days, northeastern states have been hit by serious floods, and while the government has not officially linked it to China&rsquo;s failure to share the data on Himalayan rivers emanating from the latter&rsquo;s territory, there is reason enough to speculate on the matter.</p>

<p>Interestingly, China and India do not have a bilateral treaty on water. This is unlike in the case of Pakistan with whom India has the Indus Water Treaty. The IWT has worked well by and large, though in recent months there have been some hiccups. New Delhi had proposed a water treaty to the Chinese in 2013, with the&nbsp;then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh taking a&nbsp;personal interest in the matter. But Beijing cold-shouldered the proposal. Clearly, it was uncomfortable with sharing certain material which would have been at variance with its officially stated position, especially relating to its dam construction projects on the Brahmaputra river.</p>

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<h5>It may be recollected that some 15 years ago, the collapse of an artificial dam in Tibet being built by the Chinese had a severe impact on Arunachal Pradesh, damaging property worth nearly Rs 150 crore.</h5>
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<p>In the absence of any water treaty, China sees an upper hand for itself. It has&nbsp;announced the construction of its &lsquo;most expensive&rsquo; hydel project on a tributary of the Brahmaputra, in Tibet. Obviously, the river will be considerably dammed upstream, and its deleterious impact will be felt by India in terms of natural calamities. A major diversion of the Brahmaputra river through a dam could be disastrous for India&rsquo;s northeastern plains &mdash; and even for&nbsp;neighbouring Bangladesh.</p>

<p>The effect will be furthered as a result of India not having the information and, therefore, inadequately prepared. Beijing has been consistently saying that its activities will not adversely impact India, but its refusal to share hydrological data dents such offerings of sincerity. It may be recollected that some 15 years ago, the collapse of an artificial dam in Tibet being built by the Chinese had a severe impact on Arunachal Pradesh, damaging property worth nearly Rs 150 crore.</p>

<p>There is also a strategic reason for China&rsquo;s construction of a hydel project in Tibet. It&rsquo;s a way of sending a message to India on its claim over Arunachal Pradesh &mdash; after all, Beijing considers Arunachal Pradesh as part of Tibet.</p>

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<h5>As per bilateral accords, it would be unrealistic to expect that Beijing will, at least in the near future and in the given situation, be ready for a water-sharing treaty.</h5>
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<p>Of course, the sharing of hydrological data will not make India any wiser on the various activities the Chinese have been surreptitiously undertaking on the Himalayan rivers that flow into India from their end. Only a comprehensive water treaty can introduce such transparency. This is the main reason that New Delhi has been seeking to persuade Beijing to enter into a bilateral water pact. But at a time when China has begun to hesitate to even give India the hydrological data which it is mandated to do, as per bilateral accords, it would be unrealistic to expect that Beijing will, at least in the near future and in the given situation, be ready for a water-sharing treaty.</p>

<p>What then is the option before India? It cannot obviously compel China to enter into a bilateral water-sharing pact. But it can and must forcefully demand the relevant hydrological data which Beijing is duty-bound to share as part of the bilateral accords. There is no point in downplaying the Chinese delay. New Delhi needs to understand &mdash; perhaps it does but doesn&rsquo;t want to publicly acknowledge it &mdash; that China is using water (either through the denial of hydrological data or by its dam construction activities upstream on rivers that flow into India) as a potent weapon against India. New Delhi is on firm grounds here, and perhaps a bit of escalation of the issue from its side at an appropriate moment to draw some global attention, would not be such a bad idea.</p>

<p>After all, even if China does eventually give the hydrological data, the massive hydel projects it is pursuing and which cause concern to New Delhi, cannot be overlooked anymore. We have come a long way since the days when the&nbsp;then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had in 2013 claimed there was nothing to worry by the activities the Chinese had been engaged in the upper Brahmaputra river region.</p>


Through the denial of hydrological data and by constructing dams upstream on rivers that flow into India, China can use water as a potent weapon against India.

A few days ago, the Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson informed that China had not shared hydrological data with India on the Himalayan rivers this year. He sought to downplay the development by explaining that “sometimes, due to some certain technical reasons data is not shared”. He was clueless about the “technical reasons” and said he would be better equipped on the issue once the information was received from the “relevant ministry”. The spokesperson's valiant effort to mute the issue may be understandable, given that the government would not like to indulge in the provocation at the backdrop of the ongoing India-China standoff at Doklam. But there is no running away from the significance of Beijing’s action. It is possible, that Beijing has decided to open a front in the form of a water war with India. × China is upset that its dual cajole-threat tactic hasn’t worked in its favour on the Doklam issue. New Delhi has dug in its heels, and it’s now close to three months that Indian troops have been stationed at the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction, waiting for Beijing to withdraw its troops from Bhutanese territory. Perhaps, China has been taken by surprise — unlike in the past when India made light of incursions by the neighbour’s People’s Liberation Army, calling it a mere “acne” on the face. This time, New Delhi appears in no mood to capitulate. Besides, much to Beijing’s annoyance, India continues to batter the former’s all-weather friend Pakistan at international forums — to a level that Islamabad now stands globally discredited. Additionally, New Delhi’s aggressive Act East policy has meant a sustained pressure on China in the region. It is, therefore, possible, that Beijing has decided to open a front in the form of a water war with India. Since the points of origin of the two rivers are in China, and China becomes the upper riparian state, it becomes Beijing’s responsibility to offer hydrological material to India. × In doing so, China is making a mockery of bilateral agreements with New Delhi. The India-China Expert Level mechanism was initiated in 2006 to share hydrological data during the flood season for the rivers Brahmaputra and Sutlej. Memorandums of Understanding were signed in 2013 and 2015, with China agreeing to share the data between May 15 to October 15 every year. Since the points of origin of the two rivers are in China, and China becomes the upper riparian state, it becomes Beijing’s responsibility to offer hydrological material to India. This sharing of data, from three upstream monitoring stations in Tibet, is critical to India’s needs to contain floods in large parts of the country, especially in the North-East. Indeed, in recent days, northeastern states have been hit by serious floods, and while the government has not officially linked it to China’s failure to share the data on Himalayan rivers emanating from the latter’s territory, there is reason enough to speculate on the matter. Interestingly, China and India do not have a bilateral treaty on water. This is unlike in the case of Pakistan with whom India has the Indus Water Treaty. The IWT has worked well by and large, though in recent months there have been some hiccups. New Delhi had proposed a water treaty to the Chinese in 2013, with the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh taking a personal interest in the matter. But Beijing cold-shouldered the proposal. Clearly, it was uncomfortable with sharing certain material which would have been at variance with its officially stated position, especially relating to its dam construction projects on the Brahmaputra river. It may be recollected that some 15 years ago, the collapse of an artificial dam in Tibet being built by the Chinese had a severe impact on Arunachal Pradesh, damaging property worth nearly Rs 150 crore. × In the absence of any water treaty, China sees an upper hand for itself. It has announced the construction of its ‘most expensive’ hydel project on a tributary of the Brahmaputra, in Tibet. Obviously, the river will be considerably dammed upstream, and its deleterious impact will be felt by India in terms of natural calamities. A major diversion of the Brahmaputra river through a dam could be disastrous for India’s northeastern plains — and even for neighbouring Bangladesh. The effect will be furthered as a result of India not having the information and, therefore, inadequately prepared. Beijing has been consistently saying that its activities will not adversely impact India, but its refusal to share hydrological data dents such offerings of sincerity. It may be recollected that some 15 years ago, the collapse of an artificial dam in Tibet being built by the Chinese had a severe impact on Arunachal Pradesh, damaging property worth nearly Rs 150 crore. There is also a strategic reason for China’s construction of a hydel project in Tibet. It’s a way of sending a message to India on its claim over Arunachal Pradesh — after all, Beijing considers Arunachal Pradesh as part of Tibet. As per bilateral accords, it would be unrealistic to expect that Beijing will, at least in the near future and in the given situation, be ready for a water-sharing treaty. × Of course, the sharing of hydrological data will not make India any wiser on the various activities the Chinese have been surreptitiously undertaking on the Himalayan rivers that flow into India from their end. Only a comprehensive water treaty can introduce such transparency. This is the main reason that New Delhi has been seeking to persuade Beijing to enter into a bilateral water pact. But at a time when China has begun to hesitate to even give India the hydrological data which it is mandated to do, as per bilateral accords, it would be unrealistic to expect that Beijing will, at least in the near future and in the given situation, be ready for a water-sharing treaty. What then is the option before India? It cannot obviously compel China to enter into a bilateral water-sharing pact. But it can and must forcefully demand the relevant hydrological data which Beijing is duty-bound to share as part of the bilateral accords. There is no point in downplaying the Chinese delay. New Delhi needs to understand — perhaps it does but doesn’t want to publicly acknowledge it — that China is using water (either through the denial of hydrological data or by its dam construction activities upstream on rivers that flow into India) as a potent weapon against India. New Delhi is on firm grounds here, and perhaps a bit of escalation of the issue from its side at an appropriate moment to draw some global attention, would not be such a bad idea. After all, even if China does eventually give the hydrological data, the massive hydel projects it is pursuing and which cause concern to New Delhi, cannot be overlooked anymore. We have come a long way since the days when the then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had in 2013 claimed there was nothing to worry by the activities the Chinese had been engaged in the upper Brahmaputra river region.

Is China using water as a potent weapon against India?

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