A quarter of the sand-control project in Beijing and nearby city of Tianjin has been accomplished after 3-years of work. 

A report by People's Daily says nearly 15 percent of bare land around these two cities are now covered by green plants, which has noticeably reduced the harm brought by winds and sands.

  

More than 55 billion yuan, or US$6.6 billion, has been invested in this project, which has greatly improved the environment in northern China.

 

(CRI August 25, 2003)