India, China refute reports of Brahmaputra drying up in Arunachal

The governments of both India and China have denied any links to the reported drying up of the Brahmaputra (Siang) in Arunachal Pradesh with the construction of a dam by China in the upper reaches, in Tibet, where the river originates.

The reports were based on statements purportedly issued by Tako Dabi, political adviser to the chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh, that People of Pasighat town in East Siang district found that water level of the river receded so much on Wednesday that it almost dried.

There was also apprehension that China could have diverted the water of the river, which is known as Yarlong Tsangpo in Tibet, or there could be some artificial blockade due to which this has happened.

During Telephonic conversation made by officials of Ministry of Water Resources with the State Government officials of Arunachal Pradesh, it came out that the statement may be based on the visual impression gathered from general public perception of the rivers flows around Pasighat town.

An official statement issued by the central government said the apprehension expressed by the state government regarding possible diversion of the Brahmaputra by China is not correct and devoid of facts.

''Changes in river flows are a natural phenomenon dependent on various hydro-meteorological and climatological factors,'' it said adding, ''Central Water Commission (CWC) collects and analyses hydrological data relating to all major rivers in the country, consisting of rainfall, runoff and temperature, etc and river Siang is one of them.''