Water of India’s Brahmaputra turns muddy indicating landslide or construction in China

The water in northeastern Indian state Arunachal Pradesh's Siang River, which is known as the Brahmaputra in the rest of India and Bangladesh, has turned muddy, indicating landslide or possible construction activity in upstream China, officials said.

According to the officials in Pasighat, the headquarters of the East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, the river, which is the state's principal waterway, changed its colour and turned turbid three days ago, reports our New Delhi correspondent.

"There is mud flowing in the water, which is unnatural given the fact that the region did not receive any rain in the past few days. We are monitoring the situation with help from officials of the water resources department," East Siang Deputy Commissioner Tayi Taggu said.

In China, where the river is called "Yarlung Tsangpo", might have engaged in "earth-cutting of some kind", resulting in mud flowing in the river, Taggu said.

"It seems some construction activities are underway the upstream of the river which originates in Tibet. Landslides in the upper reaches could also be a reason," the DC said.

Fishermen and locals dependent on the river for agricultural purposes are worried over the sudden change of colour of Siang water.

"The heavy slag in the water may kill aquatic lives. Farmers also draw water from the river. Also, our domestic animals drink water from the river. We are worried that this might impact the livelihood of many," Migom Pertin, a local at Pasighat, said.

In the past too, Siang's water had turned muddy on occasions.