India carefully monitors all developments relating to the Brahmaputra river including plans by China to develop hydropower projects. In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan informed that a hydropower project at Zangmu was declared fully operational in October 2015. In its 12th Five-Year Plan, China planned to develop three more hydropower projects on the mainstream of Brahmaputra River in Tibet Autonomous Region. <br />''<br />''Of the three, the first unit of the hydropower project at Jiacha was operationalised in August 2020. It is understood that another Dagu Hydropower project is also operationalised. He also informed that in March 2021, China adopted its 14th Five-Year Plan which mentions plans for hydropower development on the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra River.<br />''<br />''The Minister said, as a lower riparian state, with considerable established user rights to the waters of the trans-border rivers, the government has consistently conveyed its views and concerns to the Chinese authorities. He added that India has urged them to ensure that the interests of downstream states are not harmed by any activities in upstream areas. Mr. Muraleedharan said, the two countries have established an Expert-Level Mechanism on trans-border rivers and various issues are discussed with China under the ambit of this mechanism as well as through diplomatic channels. He said India intends to remain engaged with China on the issue of trans-border rivers to safeguard its interests. The Minister also said, New Delhi keeps a constant watch on all developments having a bearing on its interests and takes all necessary measures to protect them.<br />''<br />''<br />