Overview

• China broke ground on July 19 on the Motuo hydropower project in Tibet, a 60 GW, $167 billion development set to eclipse the Three Gorges Dam.
• Premier Li Qiang inaugurated the project and unveiled China Yajiang Group Co Ltd to oversee five cascade stations along the Yarlung Tsangpo.
• India’s External Affairs Ministry has formally protested the lack of transparency, reiterating its riparian rights and commitment to monitor river flows.
• The government is gearing up to expedite the 11.2 GW Upper Siang Multipurpose Project in Arunachal Pradesh despite survey delays caused by tribal opposition.
• Arunachal Pradesh’s chief minister has warned of a potential “water bomb” that could devastate the Siang belt and Assam if sudden releases occur.