Premier Urges Earlier Start of Massive Water Diversion Project

Premier Urges Earlier Start of Massive Water Diversion Project

Premier Zhu Rongji has urged the earlier implementation of one of the country's most ambitious project -- the diversion of water from the flood-prone Yangtze River basin to the drought-prone north.

The premier stressed that departments concerned should handle properly the relationship between implementing the project, economizing water resources and curbing pollution and protecting the ecological environment.

Zhu made the remarks at a recent seminar on the project. Senior government officials, including Vice-Premier Wen Jiabao, and experts and scholars were present at the seminar held in Beijing.

The premier pointed out that water shortage has become a major problem restricting the development in northern China, and officials concerned should respond quickly and spare no effort in making preparations for the project.

The premier noted that in certain areas of the country, water resources have been seriously polluted and wasted, saying that more reasonable water prices could help economize water resources.

Zhu added that water pollution not only directly endangers the people's health, but also exacerbates water shortage. Hence, the premier stressed that priority should be given to the prevention of water pollution, rather than just diverting water.

He also emphasized that, in the process of planning and implementing the project, attention should be paid to the protection of the ecological environment, adding that once an ecological imbalance occurs, the consequences would be disastrous.

Zhu further pointed out that such a massive project is not easy, and departments concerned should be aware of the difficulties ahead, and must consult with experts of various professions so as to ensure effective scientific decision-making.