Crackdown on Tibetan Protests Over Controversial Dam Project
Tensions are rising in Tibet as Chinese authorities clamp down on rare protests against the construction of a massive hydropower dam. The project, planned for the Gangtuo Valley in Sichuan province, threatens to submerge sacred monasteries and displace thousands of Tibetan residents, sparking widespread outrage and a heavy-handed government response.
Protests Over Sacred Lands and Displacement
In February, hundreds of Tibetan villagers and Buddhist monks rallied against plans to build the Gangtuo Dam, which would flood culturally significant areas and ancient monasteries. Among these is the 700-year-old Wangdui Monastery, home to rare Buddhist murals and sacred relics. Additionally, the dam’s reservoir would force the relocation of over 4,000 residents, severing their deep historical ties to the land.
Protests reached a peak outside a government office in Dege, where demonstrators called for the cancellation of the dam. Verified footage reveals red-robed monks and villagers kneeling in a traditional gesture of pleading, urging officials to halt the evictions. Despite the peaceful demonstrations, Chinese authorities responded with mass arrests, raids, and alleged beatings.
Getty Images.
Beijing’s plan to build another dam on the Jinsha river, which runs through Tibetan territories, led to protests
Allegations of Abuse and Intimidation
Multiple sources report that detainees endured harsh interrogations and physical abuse. One individual’s friend described being beaten by several security personnel after failing to provide satisfactory answers during questioning. Reports suggest that even elderly protestors were not spared, with some sustaining severe injuries requiring medical attention.
Survivors have described ongoing restrictions, including travel bans that disrupt access to healthcare and traditional nomadic lifestyles. Fear of further crackdowns has stifled communication with outside contacts, silencing voices within the region.
Longstanding Concerns Over Dam Projects in Tibet
The Gangtuo Dam is part of a broader initiative by Beijing to harness clean energy by exploiting Tibet’s rivers and valleys. Dubbed the “western electricity for eastern development” strategy, these projects aim to power China’s eastern cities but have faced criticism for their environmental and social costs. In this case, the planned dam is one of 13 similar projects in the valley, five of which are already operational or under construction.
Beijing has touted these efforts as a path to modernization and improved living conditions. However, rights groups accuse the government of exploiting Tibetan resources and disregarding local opposition. Activists highlight the destruction of cultural heritage and inadequate compensation for displaced residents.
Environmental and Safety Risks
The ecological impacts of such projects are significant. Flooding from dam reservoirs threatens biodiversity, and building in an earthquake-prone region raises concerns about potential disasters. Past incidents, such as a 2018 landslide in the Jinsha River basin, underscore these risks. While China has implemented some environmental safeguards and spent millions on conservation, critics argue that these measures are insufficient.
Global Calls for Action
International Tibetan rights groups are urging a halt to dam construction in the region, arguing that these projects deepen the marginalization of Tibetans. Protests overseas have called for a moratorium on large-scale development, emphasizing the need for genuine consultation with local communities.
For Tibetans living near the Gangtuo Dam site, the future remains uncertain. Communities that have lived in the area for generations bear the heavy burden of losing their ancestral lands and religious sites. As one local remarked, “Our ancestors were here; our temples are here. It is very painful to move. What kind of life would we have if we left?”
This unfolding story highlights the delicate balance between development and cultural preservation, raising critical questions about the rights of indigenous communities in the face of large-scale projects.
