Ancient Wisdom of India on Water
Ancient Indian scriptures, particularly the Vedas, emphasize the sanctity of free-flowing water. The Rig Veda reveres rivers as divine entities, underscoring their role in sustaining life. The Vedic scriptures liken rivers to the veins of the universe, suggesting that obstructing them is akin to restricting the flow of blood in the human body. Just as blood must circulate freely to maintain health, rivers must flow unhindered to sustain ecosystems. In ancient India several native trees on river banks and mangroves in coastal areas effectively managed flooding and nourished biodiversity.
Modern hydrological studies are beginning to validate these ancient insights. Rivers do not merely carry surface water; they interact with underground water flows, maintaining ecological balance. My article, A Holistic Water Strategy for India (Sustainability Next, Oct 19, 2024) highlights how artificial river-linking projects disrupt this delicate equilibrium. Large-scale interventions, such as linking rivers or constructing massive dams, can lead to unforeseen consequences, including altered groundwater flows and soil degradation.
Dams for Hydropower — An Outdated Technology
Despite their historical role in energy production, large hydropower dams are becoming obsolete due to their severe ecological and social costs. They obstruct natural river flow, displace communities, and contribute to biodiversity loss. Sediment transport, crucial for maintaining fertile deltas and preventing coastal erosion, is severely hampered by dams. Additionally, reservoirs formed behind these structures often become sources of methane emissions, a greenhouse gas significantly more potent than carbon dioxide.
On a geopolitical level, India’s reliance on upstream rivers for hydropower exposes it to risks, particularly with China’s control over water sources. The proposed megadam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River—known as the Brahmaputra in India—poses a direct threat to India’s water security. If China alters water flow or releases large amounts suddenly, downstream regions in India and Bangladesh could face droughts or catastrophic flooding.
Osmotic Power or Blue Energy — An Alternative
Osmotic power, or blue energy, offers a sustainable alternative to traditional hydropower. Norway pioneered osmotic power research, opening the world’s first pilot osmotic power plant in 2009. While initial energy yields were low, recent advancements have significantly improved efficiency. In 2019, researchers at Rutgers University made significant advancements in harnessing “blue energy,” a sustainable power source generated from the chemical differences between freshwater and seawater. By developing a specialized membrane embedded with aligned boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs), the team created a system that allows positive ions from saltwater to pass through to freshwater while blocking negative ions. This ion movement generates electricity. The potential impact is substantial; it’s estimated that the energy produced where rivers meet the sea could match the output of approximately 2,000 nuclear power plants. While scaling up this technology could provide a significant source of carbon-free energy for coastal regions worldwide, it appears such good research has not been leveraged.
More on the topic: https://www.science.org/content/article/rivers-could-generate-thousands-nuclear-power-plants-worth-energy-thanks-new-blue
China’s Mega Dam — A Better Alternative
China’s proposed megadam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River raises serious environmental and geopolitical concerns. By controlling water flow at its source, China could manipulate downstream availability, affecting millions in India and Bangladesh. Additionally, sudden water releases could trigger devastating floods, destroying farmland and displacing communities.
Instead of fueling tensions over transboundary water management, China, India, and Bangladesh have an opportunity to collaborate on a sustainable alternative. A strategically located osmotic power plant near the Brahmaputra delta in the Bay of Bengal could provide clean energy while maintaining natural river flows. By investing in blue energy, all three nations could ensure regional water security while reducing dependence on environmentally harmful dams.
If China does not agree to adopting osmotic power technology, at a minimum, it should engage a sustainability-oriented third-party organization (non-China based) with holistic expertise in sustainable hydropower planning, river flow management, climate resilience, and biodiversity protection. Such an organization could provide an independent, science-backed evaluation of the dam’s impact and propose modifications to satisfy the specific concerns of India and Bangladesh. This would not only build trust but also ensure that any hydropower development aligns with global sustainability principles.
A Path For India
India should integrate the latest advancements in blue energy into its future dam projects. This approach will foster innovation, enhance progress, and equip the next generation of engineers with the skills to build a more sustainable future.
Conclusion
The era of large hydropower dams is drawing to a close. As India and its neighbors confront the environmental and geopolitical challenges of traditional hydropower, a forward-thinking approach is necessary. Ancient wisdom teaches us that rivers must remain free-flowing, and modern science confirms that disruptive interventions come at great cost.
Rather than repeating the mistakes of the past, the world must embrace next-generation energy solutions that preserve ecological balance. Osmotic power presents a viable, sustainable alternative that can generate electricity without harming river ecosystems. Moreover, for projects like China’s proposed megadam, independent, sustainability-focused oversight before, during, and after its construction can ensure that transboundary water resources are managed equitably.
Water should not be a source of conflict—it should be a foundation for cooperation, innovation, and shared prosperity. By prioritizing sustainability and diplomatic engagement, India, China, and Bangladesh have an opportunity to create a hydropower model that benefits both people and the planet.
Ram Ramprasad is a passionate advocate for sustainability, having authored two books and numerous articles on sustainable strategies for reputable publications. He previously served as the Global Marketing Director for a leading multinational company in the USA. Ram holds degrees from Madras University in India and Yale University in the USA.
