Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said there is no immediate reason for concern regarding China’s construction of the world’s largest dam on the Brahmaputra River, as the river system is not solely dependent on Chinese territory.

Addressing the media in Guwahati, Sarma stated that the Brahmaputra receives a major share of its water from Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. “I am not immediately worried because the Brahmaputra is not dependent on a single source,” he said.

Responding to questions about the possible downstream impact of the dam, Sarma said the effects remain uncertain. He noted that scientific opinions vary—some experts warn of potential harm to biodiversity, while others believe the dam might help control flooding in Assam by regulating water flow.

Sarma added that the central government is better positioned to evaluate the matter and is likely maintaining diplomatic engagement with China on the issue.

China began construction of the estimated USD 167.8 billion dam on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet on Saturday, near the border with Arunachal Pradesh.