Objective study needed
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It is time an objective assessment is made regarding the geological impact of the Three Gorges Reservoir.
Ever since the water level in the reservoir was raised to 175 meters in September last year, nearly 123 landslides have occurred on 97 sections along its more than 3 km-long bank.
Over 2,000 local inhabitants have been relocated over the last eight months.
The note of caution sounded by a vice-minister of land and resources on Saturday about potential geological disasters along the reservoir's banks must be taken seriously.
As early as in 2007, when the water levels were raised to 175 meters on an experimental basis, some geologists had warned of the potential geological hazards, such as landslides, becoming more frequent.
They have been proved right. So far, billions of yuan have been spent in consolidating mountainsides along the reservoir to minimize potential risks. More than 46,000 local residents have also been evacuated.
The fact that round-the-clock monitoring is routine along some dangerous sections of the dam is an early indicator of the possibility of more landslides as the water level is increased.
The Three Gorges Dam has led to enormous benefits, especially in electricity generation, flood control and transportation.
Yet, the taxpayers must be told how much extra money the government has spent to combat water pollution in the reservoir and to curb geological disasters arising out of increased water levels.
An assessment of the huge reservoir's impact on local ecology is also long overdue. Citizens, and certainly the government, would like to see the dam continuing to maximize its economic benefits and minimize ecological damage.
Complete transparency regarding its pros and cons is the need of the hour. Only then can the experience be used in other mammoth projects. In addition, experts need to carefully analyze its future geological impact, pollution hazard and ecological fragility. Being prepared means to avoid danger, and that is essential at this moment.
Several large hydropower projects are being constructed on the upper reaches of the Yangtze River. The problems plaguing the Three Gorges Reservoir should serve as a mirror for project managers to reflect upon, and avoid, while building those other big reservoirs.
It is quite natural for such a large project to face some problems, but the solutions have to be worked out fast to negate any likely negative fallout.
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