Wednesday, Nov 27, 2002
Cross-country water project
Beijing Nov 26. Faced with severe water scarcity in Beijing and north China, the Chinese government has okayed a multi-billion dollar plan to build the world's biggest water transfer project, state media reported today.
The Government has approved construction of the south-north, cross-country, water-transfer project as a strategic infrastructure undertaking for China's sustainable development and a huge environmental endeavour, said the Minister of Water Resources, Zhao Jiyao.
``After nearly half a century of study and planning, we now can start putting the project the late chairman Mao Zedong envisioned into reality step by step,'' Mr. Zhao said.
He said the project was aimed at relieving the severe water shortage in north China, and it would conserve water, tackle pollution and be environment friendly.
The project includes three south-north canals in the eastern, central and western parts of the country, forming a network among the nation's longest rivers, including the Yangtze, Yellow, Huaihe and Haihe rivers.
By 2050, it is expected to be capable of shifting 44.8 billion cubic meters of water annually, with 14.8 billion cubic meters, 13 billion cubic meters and 17 billion cubic meters carried out the eastern, central and western canals respectively. In the first phase, the Government plans to invest 154.8 billion yuan ($18.65 billions) in the eastern and central line project. — PTI
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