30) Mekong River

Question 1

Which country is Mekong river confined to ?

Answer 1

Not one country. It is a transboundary river in S-E Asia. It is also world’s 12th longest river and 7th longest in Asia

Question 2

Through which countries it flows ?

Answer 2

Originates in Tibetian plateau and flows through China, Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam

Question 3

Is it navigation friendly ?

Answer 3

NOOO, due to extreme seasonal variations and the presence of waterfalls through its routes, navigation is not convenient. However its a very important trade route

Question 4

What is the upper half of Mekong river called ?

Answer 4

Lancang river (China is building a dam across it)

Question 5

Now why is it in news ?

Answer 5

The dam that China is building will actually reduce water levels to all countries below it. Thus it cuts the rivers downstream potential

Question 6

What does China say ?

Answer 6

It says they are building “Run of the river” dam which actually stores very little water only for power generation