Guangzhou battles pollution to protect its rivers

Guangzhou has made great achievement in combating water pollution in 2017 with 35 previously badly polluted rivers in the city passing the standard of "achieving preliminary success" set by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

The evaluation was conducted by the third-party environment evaluation institution -- South China Institute of Environmental Science, Ministry of Environmental Protection.

Chebei River in Tianhe district is no longer "stinky" after years' of government efforts to combat water pollution. [Photo/ycwb.com]

The rivers include Chebei River in Tianhe district, Shakeng River and Shijing River in Baiyun district, and Sima River in Liwan district.

The water quality in the river has improved a lot and people have developed a habit of jogging or walking along the river banks, according to a local resident living near Chebei River which was once described as "stinky".

Shakeng River is also one of the rivers that have totally changed their appearance in 2017. The 20-kilometer river starts from Taihe town and runs through Dayuan, Shihu, Yingxi and Nancun villages with most of its running area dotted with factories – many of which used to cause industrial pollution.

Shijing River in Baiyun district now features clean water and beautiful river banks. [Photo/ycwb.com] 

The local government has carried out a raft of measures including shutting down polluting companies, promoting water channel cleanout, and launching sewage interception and riverbank greening projects.