The reservoir started storing water at 00:00 hours on June 1 as the sluice gate began to close.

The water level is expected to rise by four to five meters daily in order to reach 135 meters by June 15. Navigation on the Yangtze River is expected to resume on June 16 after a lapse of 67days.

After ten years of construction, the Three Gorges project will begin to pay dividends this year, playing an important role in flood control, power generation, navigation, water diversion and environmental protection.

The Three Gorges project is scheduled for completion in 2009.

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2003)