The world is undergoing recession blues and China is busy completing its mega infrastructure projects. China’s northern parts have been the hub of population and industrial growth. The per capita water availability has reduced dramatically over years. Most of the times water is used for industrial activities at the cost of agriculture. This has led to extreme water shortages in the rural areas. To counter this problem china launched its largest ever “South to North Water Diversion Project”. This project was first envisioned by late Chairman Mao in 1952 and in 2002 it was finally approved after extensive research and developments.
This project will cost China $64 billion! much more than the controversial Three Gorges Dams project. However this project will diverge 44.8 billion m3 annually to the northern part of the country. This figure is equivalent to the annual water flow of the Yello river. The project will involve construction of thousands of kilometers of canals including many tunnels and under river passages. The project is expected to be completed by 2050.
History says that such mega moves are important for long term competitive advantage over other countires. Great ports and airports gave advantages to many developed countries like US, UK and Japan. Infrastrucre projects are the most controversial and the most difficult to implement in this environment conscious world. And China has the capabilty and determination to work against the odds. Time will tell how correct these decisions are and how beneficial such projects are for the worlds largest population.
Rogues.
