China begins construction of massive dam on Brahmaputra River, raising concerns about downstream impact on India and Bangladesh.

BEIJING/NEW DELHI (IANS)- China on July 19 officially began construction on a mega dam project in the lower reaches of the Yarlung Tsangpo — the upper reaches of the Brahmaputra River — in Tibet. This development has raised significant concerns in downstream countries, including India and Bangladesh.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said there are two "scientific aspects" to China building a mega dam across the Brahmaputra - a $167.8 billion project - including one could actually help by reducing the amount of flooding in the state.