Dam release to quench parched land
Source: Xinhua |
May 21, 2011, Saturday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
CHINA'S Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydroelectric project, began to increase its water release yesterday to ease severe drought in downstream rice-growing areas.
Until next Tuesday, the dam will accelerate its discharge rate to 10,000 cubic meters per second - about 3,000 cubic meters faster than its inflow rate - the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said.
Then from next Wednesday until June 10, the rate will be increased to 11,000 to 12,000 cubic meters per second.
The dam, the main part of which is located in the town of Sandouping in Hubei Province, has discharged 17 billion cubic meters of water to areas downstream since the beginning of this year.
Consequently, water levels in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China's longest river, have risen by 0.63 meters and 2.12 meters respectively from record lows.
Water release has lifted levels at key sections of the Yangtze River, which has helped ensure water supplies in those areas, SFDH said.
During the period between January and April this year, the Yangtze River basin received 40 percent less rainfall than the past 50-year average.
Dwindling water levels in rivers have affected agricultural irrigation capabilities and water supplies for daily living, seriously affecting some parts of Hubei and Hunan provinces.
The meteorology authority said yesterday that the downstream of the river was forecast to experience rain between then and next Tuesday, while parts of south China would see torrential rain, which would relieve the drought in those areas.
Experts have advised local authorities to step up irrigation efforts and consolidate dikes.
The Three Gorges Project consists of a dam, a five-tier ship dock and 26 hydropower turbo-generators. The project generates electricity, controls flooding by providing storage space and adjusts shipping capacity.
The hydroelectric project was launched in 1993, with a budget of about US$22.5 billion.
Until next Tuesday, the dam will accelerate its discharge rate to 10,000 cubic meters per second - about 3,000 cubic meters faster than its inflow rate - the State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters said.
Then from next Wednesday until June 10, the rate will be increased to 11,000 to 12,000 cubic meters per second.
The dam, the main part of which is located in the town of Sandouping in Hubei Province, has discharged 17 billion cubic meters of water to areas downstream since the beginning of this year.
Consequently, water levels in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China's longest river, have risen by 0.63 meters and 2.12 meters respectively from record lows.
Water release has lifted levels at key sections of the Yangtze River, which has helped ensure water supplies in those areas, SFDH said.
During the period between January and April this year, the Yangtze River basin received 40 percent less rainfall than the past 50-year average.
Dwindling water levels in rivers have affected agricultural irrigation capabilities and water supplies for daily living, seriously affecting some parts of Hubei and Hunan provinces.
The meteorology authority said yesterday that the downstream of the river was forecast to experience rain between then and next Tuesday, while parts of south China would see torrential rain, which would relieve the drought in those areas.
Experts have advised local authorities to step up irrigation efforts and consolidate dikes.
The Three Gorges Project consists of a dam, a five-tier ship dock and 26 hydropower turbo-generators. The project generates electricity, controls flooding by providing storage space and adjusts shipping capacity.
The hydroelectric project was launched in 1993, with a budget of about US$22.5 billion.
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