Top Legislator on China's Water ResourcesChina's top lawmaker has called on the rational development and utilization of water resources in the country.Li Peng, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, made the call today at a forum on water resources in China and the revision of the Water Law. China is short of water resources, with its per-capita water resources accounting for only one third of the world's average, he said, noting that the country is frequently hit by droughts and floods. He said the water shortage problem is becoming more and more serious, along with the acceleration of industrialization, urbanization and agriculture. Equal importance should be given to developing water resources and saving water, Li said, adding the Water Law should be revised to enhance the country's over-all management of water and bring about a water-saving economy. In rural areas, advanced technology should be adopted to save water and the structure of farming should be improved, so as to use the limited water resources to their maximum effect, the NPC leader said. Meanwhile, Li urged to reduce the discharge of sewage by industries and try to recycle waste water. Market mechanism should also be introduced to promote the rational use of water resources and a scientific water distribution system compatible to the socialist market economy should also be set up, he stressed. |
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