"It is good that the government gives equal priority to
ecological protection and economic growth when working out China's
10th Five-Year Plan (2001-05), said Xu Peng, a deputy from Xinjiang
to the Ninth National People's Congress (NPC) which was in session
in Beijing on March 5-15.
"By the end
of 2005, Xinjiang will have basically restored a sound eco-system
in its Tarim River valley," he told press.
Xu Peng, chairman
of the Association of Science of the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous
Region, was one of the first to propose to the central government
that the degrading eco-system in the Tarim River Valley should
be tackled as soon as possible to avoid any detrimental impact
to the development of southern Xinjiang. The proposal attracted
government attention and Premier Zhu Rongji approved a related
project in February.
Tarim River is
the longest inland river in China, and is called the Mother
River by southern Xinjiang people. The valley covers 1.02
million square km, and nourishes 8.26 million people, or 47
percent of Xinjiang's total.
Excessive land
reclamation, over-grazing and unreasonable use of water in
the upper reaches have led to deterioration of the local environment,
especially thirsty animals, withered poplars and parched land,
along the lower reaches. As the river is on the fringe of
the local desert, desertification is also expanding.
Xu said that initial
preparation is well under way, including a feasibility study
for reservoir construction on the upper reaches and water-saving
irrigation project on the middle reaches.
Yet, to facilitate
the project construction, common understanding should be achieved
between different departments along the river, including departments
of forestry, agriculture, and husbandry. It is also imperative
to publicize the project and its significance among local
people, who once cut forests for fuel along the river.
Science and technology
should be introduced to improve flood management. Xinjiang
features an uneven water distribution, with floods occurring
in July and August and shortages in other times. Water conservancy
on the upper reaches should balance water use between ecological
restoration and social development, such as agricultural,
industrial and livelihood usage. Vegetation along the river
should be better guarded to form a sand shield for the river.
Xu also suggested
during the NPC meeting that a system integrating ecology,
resources, industries, and economic results be established.
As areas along the river are famous for their time-honored
history and culture, tourism should be boosted to improve
local people's livelihood and increase their eco-protection
initiatives.
(CIIC by Guo Xiaohong
03/16/2001)
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