Assam CM Gogoi meets Krishna over China dam issue

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi met External Affairs Minister S M Krishna here today convey his concern over reports about China building dams on the Brahmaputra, the lifeline of his state.

Mr Krishna assured Mr Gogoi that there was no cause for alarm in this regard.

Mr Gogoi expressed fears that the reported diversion of water from the river by China might adversely affect the interests of his state, which depended so much on the Brahmaputra waters.

However, Mr Krishna told Mr Gogoi that the Chinese had assured India that they were constructing only a small run-of-the river hydro project which would not affect the flow of water in the river in Assam and other lower riparian states.

He said that, besides the Chinese assurance, the government had ascertained from its sources the factual position in the matter.

The External Affairs Minister said the Government was in constant touch with Chinese authorities over the issue and it would never overlook any development that would harm the interests of the state or any other part of the country.

Mr Krishna urged both Assam and Arunachal Pradesh Governments to plan projects to properly utilise the Brahmaputra waters.

Asked about the meeting, Mr Gogoi said Mr Krishna told him the project will not have any impact on Assam.

NNN