From Chinese Press

Importance of saving water

(China Daily)
Updated: 2011-02-10 07:48

This year's No 1 central document centers on water conservancy through concerted efforts in the next five to 10 years. The document is special because it shows how important water conservancy is for China's economic and social development, says an article in People's Daily. Excerpts:

Floods (and droughts) have always been a threat to China. To minimize the effects of floods and droughts water conservancy and management have to develop with the times. The No 1 central document of 2011 has made it clear that water conservancy is a primary and indispensable part of modern agriculture and essential for environmental protection.

Better knowledge of the history and current situation of Huaihe River as well as other rivers and scientific responses to the problems will help reverse the backwardness at local levels.

For the past few decades, China's water conservancy has been at a standstill. The migration of a large number of people from rural to urban areas has created many challenges for traditional farmland irrigation and water conservancy, which can greatly undermine food security and harm the stable development of agriculture.

Fortunately, the No 1 document's focus on water conservancy marks the beginning of a new round of proper water management.

Surveys show that China's water conservancy programs lack money, labor and an effective maintenance system. There is widespread lack of knowledge about the importance of water conservancy in China.

Hence, water conservancy should be regarded as a project of charity and strategic importance. Besides, government input and public finance should be given full play in developing water conservancy.

China Daily

(China Daily 02/10/2011 page9)