The water diversion project is aimed at helping alleviate the problem of water shortages in north China by channeling some 38 billion to 48 billion cubic meters of water annually from southern parts of the country, said Suo Lisheng, vice minister of Water Resources, at the ongoing annual academic meeting of the Chinese Association for Science and Technology (CAST).

The project, which will transfer water in three routes across the country, could cause water pollution, seawater inwelling in the east route and geological and ecological problems along the central route area, according to Suo.

"China will work out reasonable measures to reduce the negative effects," Suo promised.

Some 25 billion yuan (US$3.01 billion) will be earmarked to combat water pollution in the eastern area, with sewage discharge as the focal point, before the diversion is initiated.

Some 18 billion cubic meters of water will be channeled from the Yangtze River to the north every year, according to the plan. It is believed that numerous lakes surrounding the country's longest river will help solve the problem of seawater flowing in reverse.

Building larger dams, renovating the existing waterways along the Hanjiang River, another source of water, and designing reasonable schemes for the channel digging project will contribute to ensuring a safe ecological and geological situation in the central route region, Suo explained.

(Xinhua News Agency 09/17/2001)