Lawmakers to seek stronger waterways protection

During the bimonthly session of the National People's Congress Standing Committee, lawmakers will also review a draft law on the protection of waterways.

According to the draft, the punishment for destroying waterways will be enhanced, and those responsible for illegal construction in the waterways could face fines of up to 1 million yuan ($160,000).

Xie Manying, deputy director of the waterways transportation bureau with the Ministry of Transport, said during a news conference on Friday that China's inland waterways have shrunk from 170,000 km 50 years ago to 130,000 km due to lack of protection.