Fan Xiao, an engineer with the Sichuan bureau of Geological Exploration and Exploration of Mineral Resources, told the Global Times that interception of the river was just the beginning of a series of water projects in the region.

"Even if the dam is built as planned, it may not function well at a high altitude, where rivers are likely to be frozen for most of the year, and in an area subject to natural disasters such as earthquakes," he said.

However, Cheng Xiaotao, vice director of the Research Center of Flood and Drought Disaster Reduction with the Ministry of Water Resources, told the Global Times that hydropower will have great benefits for the local economy.

"Relocating residents there for the construction project will be easy given the small population," Cheng said. "The government has carried out sufficient surveys prior to construction. Officials should communicate well with locals and allow them to see that the projects are for their benefits."

Ding Yifan, a researcher with the Development Research Center of the State Council, told the Global Times that the pros of building the dam outweigh the cons as hydropower is the cleanest energy and will help reduce carbon emissions. "Any mega-projects in China are likely to arouse controversy. Most projects precede as planned and prove beneficial in the long run," Ding said.