A controversial proposal to build a dam on the upper reaches of the ancient Dujiangyan irrigation scheme in Sichuan Province is under fire because of its potential impact on the world heritage site.

Local authorities, facing growing opposition, Monday denied reports they had decided to go ahead with the project.

"We have barely started our feasibility studies," an official called Li with the Dujiangyan Management Bureau said Monday.

"Now, with the surge in objections and fears the new dam might damage the ancient weir, I do not know when the feasibility studies will be completed."

Media reports suggest a new Yangliuhu dam, about 23 metres high and 1,200 metres wide, will be built on the Minjiang River at the Yuzui section of Dujiangyan.

Only 57 kilometres from Chengdu, capital of Southwest Chin's Sichuan Province, Dujiangyan is a massive irrigation and drainage system completed more than 2,200 years ago. Ever since, it has irrigated the vast Chengdu Plain and protected it from droughts and floods.

It was listed on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) cultural heritage list in 2000.

However, the new dam could reportedly empty the river downstream of Yuzui, a major component of Dujiangyan which divides the Minjiang River into two channels. The outer channel is for flood relief while the inner one is for irrigation.

The Ministry of Construction and State Bureau of Cultural Relics have carried special investigations, which wrapped up on Sunday, into the controversy. But they have yet to release their reports publicly.

"We promised the investigation teams we shall respect the ancient weir and build the new dam, if there is to be one, strictly according to regulations," Li said.

Major engineering projects need approvals from various government authorities, such as construction and environmental protection agencies, before they proceed.

Li also denied speculation the new dam is needed to make the Zipingpu hydropower project fully operational and to reduce its huge annual deficit of 50 million yuan (US$6 million).

"We have proposed the project for the good of Dujiangyan. The dam can maintain stable river flow below the Zipingpu project and thus reduce damage at Yuzui from fluctuating water levels," said Li.

However, a source from the Sichuan Cultural Relics Bureau said Li's claim was baseless and the bureau will continue to oppose the dam.

Also yesterday, Pei Hongye, an official with the Beijing office of UNESCO, denied a report the office had officially asked Chinese authorities about the plans for the dam. But she said the office would be concerned about such a project.

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