China has greenlit the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, setting the stage for a colossal infrastructure project that promises economic and environmental impacts across the region.

Beijing has approved plans to dam a gorge in the Himalayas that is three times as deep as the Grand Canyon, despite concerns about the impact on Tibet and India.

Chinese officials say that hydropower projects in Tibet will not have a major impact on the environment or on downstream water supplies.

China has assured India that the construction of a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet will not harm the lower riparian states. The project aims to develop clean energy and has been studied for decades to ensure environmental safety.

China has approved the construction of what will be the world's largest hydropower dam, kicking off an ambitious project on the eastern rim of the Tibetan plateau that could affect millions downstream in India and Bangladesh.

The Brahmaputra River, a lifeline to millions in India and Bangladesh, now finds itself at the centre of a major geopolitical storm. On December 25, China approved the construction of the world's largest hydropower project on this river—known as the Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibet.

Overview of the Yarlung Tsangpo Project On December 25, China approved the construction of the world’s largest hydropower project on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet. The proposed dam will have a massive capacity of 60,