China has greenlit the construction of the world’s largest hydropower dam on the eastern edge of the Tibetan plateau, setting the stage for a colossal infrastructure project that promises economic and environmental impacts across the region.

Chinese officials say that hydropower projects in Tibet will not have a major impact on the environment or on downstream water supplies.

Beijing has approved plans to dam a gorge in the Himalayas that is three times as deep as the Grand Canyon, despite concerns about the impact on Tibet and India.

China approved the construction of what will be the world’s biggest hydropower dam on the eastern rim of the ecologically fragile Tibetan plateau

India said on Friday (Jan 3) it had raised concerns with China about a planned mega hydropower dam construction upstream in Tibet, saying it will "monitor and take necessary measures to protect our interests".

The project has stoked concerns about displacement and environmental impact downstream in India and Bangladesh.

China approved construction of a massive hydroelectric dam in Tibet, projected to be the world's largest and triple the capacity of the Three Gorges Dam.

China has assured India that the construction of a mega dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo river in Tibet will not harm the lower riparian states. The project aims to develop clean energy and has been studied for decades to ensure environmental safety.