Phuntsok Tobgyal, UN Advocacy Officer at the Office of Tibet in Geneva, has raised serious concerns over the risks posed by the planned construction of the Medog (Metok) Dam on Tibet’s Yarlung Tsangpo River.

He voiced his concern while delivering an address during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

Phuntsok Tobgyal emphasised that such large-scale infrastructure development would severely damage Tibet’s fragile ecosystem and jeopardise water security for millions across South Asia, reported Tibet.net.

Tibet is often referred to as the “Third Pole” of the world.

The region plays a major role in global environmental security.

The construction of the dam threatens this balance through extensive deforestation, increased seismic risks, and disruptions to glacier melt patterns—all of which could accelerate climate change, the officer said as quoted by Tibet.net.

Phuntsok Tobgyal urged the international community to prioritise environmental sustainability over short-term economic interests.

He called for transparent, cooperative action among nations to prevent irreversible ecological damage.