China revitalises 88 rivers and lakes under nationwide restoration drive

China has successfully revitalised 88 major rivers and lakes across the country by the end of September, restoring natural water flows to waterways that had been dry for decades, the Ministry of Water Resources announced on Wednesday. 

The results stem from the “Mother River Rejuvenation” action plan, a nationwide initiative running from 2022 to 2025. Under the programme, tailored restoration plans were developed for each river and lake according to their unique environmental and hydrological conditions, ensuring a targeted and sustainable approach to recovery, reports Xinhua News Agency, a partner of TV BRICS.

Among the most notable successes are the Yellow River, which has maintained an uninterrupted flow for 26 consecutive years, and the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal, the world’s longest artificial waterway, which has seen water restored along its entire route for four years in a row after being dry for a century.

Looking ahead, the government plans to extend the programme to additional river basins and establish long-term mechanisms to protect and revitalise the country’s waterways.

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