China to adopt Three Gorges protection regulations

BEIJING - The government is considering creating regulations that will help to protect and maintain the safety of Central China's Three Gorges Dam, the world's largest hydropower project.

The Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council, or China's cabinet, started gathering public opinions on the regulations on Wednesday.

Safety control zones will be set for the dam's land area, water area and airspace, respectively, according to the regulations, which also feature categorized arrangements regarding the flow of traffic and personnel around the dam.

"No group or individual shall undermine the safety of the Three Gorges Dam," the regulations say.

The flying and setting of sky lanterns, hot air balloons, airships, paragliders, unmanned drones, light helicopters and model aircraft will be prohibited in the dam's airspace control zone, according to the rule.

The Legislative Affairs Office said the safe operation of the dam is integral to maintaining supplies of electricity for east, central and south China, as well as ensuring the safety of the lives and property of the 15 million people who live downstream from the dam.