China unveils new plan to clean up major rivers and lakes
- The authorities are seeking to restore the ecology of 78 rivers and 10 lakes by tackling pollution over the next couple of years
- Among the areas targeted is Baiyangdian, the largest freshwater lake in northern China, which is a vital ecological barrier in the region
The Ministry of Water Resources on Friday (March 24) issued a list of 78 rivers and 10 lakes that need ecological restoration, including Baiyangdian, the largest freshwater lake in northern China.
The ministry has set out an action plan to restore the ecology of those rivers and lakes and bring the watersheds back to life by 2025.
It will focus on cleaning up three types of rivers and lakes, under the latest action plan.
The first are rivers and lakes located in key national development regions, such as the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, the Yangtze River Economic Belt and the Greater Bay Area in southern China.
The second type will be major rivers that have an important impact on flood control, water supply security and ecological security. The third type are the most polluted rivers and lakes.
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Under the plan, local water authorities and river basin management areas will be required to strengthen their monitoring of water quality, water levels and ecology.
Baiyangdian in Hebei province, about 150km (93 miles) south of Beijing, has been dubbed the “kidney of north China” because of its role as the region’s ecological barrier.
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On a visit to the site in 2017, Xi called for the lake to be restored and protected as part of a “green development” plan to “build a new area with integrated forests, water, and green and smart facilities”.
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Villager fishes in drying pools at China’s biggest freshwater lake
Baiyangdian’s water quality has improved from below Grade V in 2018, the lowest level in the nation’s water quality system, to Grade III in 2021, meaning it is suitable for drinking and fishing, according to the local ecology and environment department.
“It’s the best quality on record since 1988 when monitoring started in the lake,” the department said.
