China launches campaign to clean up polluted waters near communities

BEIJING -- China has unveiled an action plan to tackle pollution in rivers, ponds, ditches and other water bodies close to communities, according to a document recently made public by the General Office of the State Council.

The plan aims to largely complete pollution checks and cleanup work at industrial parks administered at the provincial level or above by 2030. It also seeks to largely eliminate black and odorous water bodies in counties and townships, and curb the direct impact of livestock and poultry farming on waters in key areas.

By 2030, waters near communities should generally be free of unusual discoloration, foul smells and visible waste, the plan said.

China has made steady progress in improving the quality of its major rivers in recent years. Pollution in smaller tributaries, ponds, canals and ditches, however, has become more prominent and is increasingly affecting people's daily lives and livelihoods.

The latest campaign extends water pollution control efforts to counties and rural areas, while covering both surface water and groundwater.

The plan calls for five targeted campaigns to tackle water pollution in industrial parks, clean up black and odorous water bodies in counties and townships, improve the treatment of livestock and poultry waste, strengthen the protection and management of rural rivers, lakes and reservoirs, and identify and remediate pollution in small water bodies.

The plan also urges tighter pollution controls at industrial enterprises, better sewage collection and treatment in urban areas, cleaner farming practices, and stricter oversight of pollutants discharged into rivers. Monitoring, inspections, law enforcement and technical support will also be strengthened.

With just 6 percent of the world's freshwater resources, China sustains nearly 20 percent of the global population and generates over 18 percent of global economic output.