Thaindian News

New Delhi, June 15 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi will meet External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna Thursday to take up the issue of China reportedly building a dam on the Brahmaputra, worried that any upsteam diversion of the river’s water will adversely impact his state.

Gogoi told a press conference here Wednesday that he was “very concerned” about reports of the Chinese plans, as any diversion in the course of the river would affect Assam’s agricultural economy.

“We are very concerned, as any diversion of the river may affect my state. I will meet the external affairs minister tomorrow…as the government of India has to take up the issue with China,” Gogoi said.

The Brahmaputra, which enters India from Tibet, is considered the lifeline of Assam.

The chief minister had raised his concerns at a Planning Commission meeting here Tuesday as well.

“It is not a new issue. I had taken up the issue with the prime minister and the water resources minister earlier also. Chinese side has said that it will not affect downstream areas of Assam…but situations keep changing and we have to be careful,” he said.

Terming the dam on the Brahmaputra inside China as a major issue for his state, Gogoi said: “I am confident that the central government will take appropriate steps to safeguard the interests of the country as well as Assam.”

Krishna Monday said his ministry was seeking more details from China.