After a quarter-century of silence, the Xiliao River has once again begun to flow through Tongliao City in Inner Mongolia, marking a significant milestone in the river’s ecological revival. The news was reported by Xinhua News Agency on September 4, highlighting the success of recent efforts by the Ministry of Water Resources to restore water flow to the river.
A Milestone in Ecological Recovery
The Xiliao River, which has been experiencing断流 (interrupted flow) for the past 26 years, achieved re-flow on September 3 at 19:36 local time. The water head of the river connected with the existing water surface in Tongliao City, bringing water to a stretch of 71 kilometers downstream from the Zongban Wubao Hub. This surpasses the endpoint reached during the spring by 12.25 kilometers, setting a new record for the furthest distance the river has flowed in over two decades.
The Significance of the Xiliao River
The Xiliao River basin is located in one of the world’s three major golden corn belts and is a vital region for China’s grain production. However, over the past few decades, the river has faced severe ecological challenges, including perennial dry spells and the shrinkage of lakes and wetlands. This has made the Xiliao River the only major river among China’s seven major rivers to be in a state of interrupted flow.
Restoration Efforts
The Ministry of Water Resources has been actively working to restore the ecological health of the Xiliao River. Since late July of this year, the ministry has leveraged effective rainfall in the basin and implemented a series of precise water management measures. These include the scientific调度 (dispatching) of reservoirs such as Dongtaizi, Desu Baoleng, and Hongshan, along with strategies like full closure and concentrated release to ensure the safety of river embankments while promoting water flow and ecological restoration.
The Road to Recovery
The current success in restoring the flow of the Xiliao River is the result of persistent efforts and careful planning. The ministry’s spokesperson stated that the restoration work is ongoing, and the next steps involve a precise and detailed approach to managing the river’s water flow. This includes fine-tuning the dispatch of reservoirs along the main and tributary streams, strengthening river整治 (rectification) and dredging, and systematically advancing the collaborative protection and governance of the Xiliao River basin.
The spokesperson emphasized the importance of restoring the river to its natural state, referring to it as the Mother River. The goal is to achieve full flow along the main stem of the Xiliao River as soon as possible, which would be a significant achievement in ecological conservation.
The Implications for the Region
The re-flow of the Xiliao River has significant implications for the region’s agriculture, ecology, and economy. With the river’s revival, the surrounding farmlands will benefit from improved irrigation, potentially boosting crop yields and supporting the local economy. Additionally, the restoration of the river’s ecosystem will help preserve biodiversity and improve the quality of life for communities living along its banks.
Conclusion
The re-flow of the Xiliao River after 26 years is a testament to the dedication and ingenuity of the Ministry of Water Resources and the local authorities in Inner Mongolia. This achievement not only marks a turning point in the river’s ecological recovery but also serves as an inspiration for similar efforts in other parts of the world. As the river once again courses through the landscape, it brings with it hope for a sustainable future for both the environment and the people who depend on it.
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