Beijing, China – Over the past decade, more than 185 million people in China have seen their lives transformed thanks to the ambitious South-to-North Water Diversion Project. This colossal initiative has been channeling water from the resource-rich southern regions to the drought-stricken north, addressing severe water scarcity issues.
As the world’s largest project of its kind, the water diversion has transported over 76.7 billion cubic meters of water through its middle and eastern routes. Vice Minister of Water Resources, Wang Daoxi, announced that the project has significantly improved the distribution of water resources across China, yielding substantial economic, social, and ecological benefits.
Boosting the Economy
The influx of water has supported economic growth in northern China, contributing to a GDP increase of over 16 trillion yuan (approximately $2.23 trillion). The availability of water is crucial for industries and agriculture, and this project ensures that northern regions have the necessary resources to thrive.
Engineering Marvel
Conceived in the 1950s, the project became operational in 2014 with the completion of the first phases of its middle and eastern routes. Spanning four major river basins – the Yangtze, Huaihe, Yellow, and Haihe – the system transports water across vast distances.
The middle route, which is the most prominent, begins at the Danjiangkou Reservoir in central China’s Hubei Province. It delivers water over 1,000 kilometers to Beijing, providing nearly 80% of the capital’s urban water consumption. This journey takes about 15 days, ensuring that millions have access to clean water.
Ecological Impact
Beyond human consumption, the project has delivered over 11.8 billion cubic meters of water for ecological purposes. This effort has effectively halted the decline of groundwater levels in the north, promoting environmental sustainability and restoring natural habitats.
Looking Ahead
While the eastern and middle routes are operational, the western route is still in the planning stages. Once completed, it will further enhance the redistribution of water resources across China, continuing to support both people and the environment.
This monumental project showcases China’s commitment to addressing environmental challenges and improving the livelihoods of its citizens through innovative infrastructure and resource management.
Reference(s):
China's mega water diversion project benefits over 185 million people
cgtn.com
