Better protection of rivers urged

China has unveiled new guidelines to enhance the protection and governance of its rivers, emphasizing the comprehensive management of water-related disasters, water resources, and the ecology and environment of the waterways.

The country aims to significantly improve flood control capabilities by 2035, with a modernized river basin flood control and disaster reduction system largely in place, using guidelines recently issued by the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, China's Cabinet.

The guidelines emphasize the importance of maintaining river stability by adopting a new flood control and disaster reduction approach that prioritizes synergy between river basins and regions, along with the integration of engineering and nonengineering solutions. The need to coordinate flood control systems for main and tributary rivers, improve resilience to climate change, and strengthen preparedness for extreme rainstorms and floods has also been highlighted as a priority.

Efforts will focus on optimizing a comprehensive flood control engineering system that includes reservoirs, river channels, embankments and flood detention areas. The guidelines also stress the significance of improving weather forecasting, enhancing the sharing of early warning information and strengthening disaster response capabilities.

Systematic flood risk assessments will guide efforts to strengthen disaster prevention and control. Measures include relocating people and industries to low-risk areas, evacuating unstable arable lands, upgrading infrastructure and introducing a flood insurance system in high-risk areas.

To enhance conservation and the efficient use of water resources, the guidelines propose promoting efficient agricultural irrigation, recycling industrial water and reusing unconventional water sources. Authorities are also tasked with ensuring the scientific allocation of water resources within river basins, fully utilizing existing water storage projects, and establishing national strategic and groundwater reserve systems to bolster water security.

Recognizing that lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets, the guidelines call for region-specific, precisely controlled ecological management. This method ensures northern regions prioritize addressing river cutoffs and shrinking lakes, while southern regions focus on ensuring rivers flow clearly and smoothly.

The guidelines also entail measures that enhance the protection of drinking water sources, promote water culture preservation and improve river management mechanisms.

In addition to water resources and development and reform departments, the guidelines highlight the need for coordinated efforts in river protection and management among financial, natural resources, ecology and environment, and transport authorities. The guidelines also encourage public participation and social supervision in river protection efforts.