BEIJING, March 11 - Amid India�s concerns over dams being built on the Brahmaputra in Tibet, China today said the projects are�scientifically planned to ensure that there is no impact on water flows to downstream areas but asserted its �just and legitimate� right over the water resources.
�There has been good cooperation between China and India on the issue of trans-border rivers for a long time. The Chinese side has overcome many difficulties and provided service such as provision of hydrological data to the Indian side, thus playing a positive role,� Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei told PTI here.
Responding to Minister of State for Water Resources Sanwar Lal Jat�s statement in Parliament yesterday in which he said India has expressed its concerns to China about the likely impact of the dams, Hong said, �The Chinese side has a just and legitimate user right towards the water resources of trans-border rivers.
�At the same time, the Chinese side also takes a responsible attitude and carries out a policy of protecting while exploiting the resources. All utilisation of trans-border rivers are carried out through scientific planning and takes into account the interests of the upstream and downstream,� he said.
On the Chinese dams restricting the water flows, Hong said, �As per my understanding, the hydropower projects constructed by China at present will not have an impact on flood control and disaster reduction and on the environment of the downstream.
�The Chinese side is willing to continue to maintain communication and cooperation with the Indian side on the issue of trans-border rivers through existing cooperation mechanisms and enhance mutual understanding and trust between the two sides,� he said.
Jat had yesterday said, �India has urged China to ensure the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas.� � PTI
