An in-depth look at the scope and scale of China’s single-minded push for ever more dams in Tibet.

By the International Campaign for Tibet

Summary

China’s hydropower and dam projects in Tibet are causing significant human rights violations and environmental damage, threatening the water supply, livelihoods, and health of up to 1.8 billion people across Asia. The construction of dams, such as the Khamtok project, forcibly displaces Tibetans and destroys cultural assets. Despite claims of environmental benefits, hydropower dams contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and exacerbate climate change. The international community must urge China to engage in dialogue with Tibetan leaders to ensure sustainable and rights-respecting development.

From the report:

“The state claims that hydropower projects bring economic development, improved incomes, and enhances the human quality (behavior, education, ethics, and aspirations) of ‘backward’ communities. However, dislocating Tibetans disempowers them and makes them dependent on the state. By disconnecting Tibetans from their socio-cultural world, the Chinese state is forcing them to conform to state policies that seek to create productive Chinese citizens and workers that are loyal to the Communist Party and state and express the cultural preferences and aspirations of the Han majority.”

“China dominates dam construction worldwide. With over 22,000 dams, China has reportedly exploited virtually every feasible site in every watershed outside the Tibetan plateau proper. The government has now set its sights on Tibet to capitalize on what some call the ‘power tower’ of Asia.”

To view this report in full, see the publisher’s website here.

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