Shanxi issues plan to improve water ecology

The Shanxi Department of Ecology and Environment announced its plan to restore and develop the water ecology in the Shanxi section of the Yellow River basin on Jan 30. 

The plan involves accelerating the restoration of nine tributaries in the Fenhe River in Taiyuan, accelerating the construction of an ecological corridor along the Yangxing River, and creating sponge cities. 

Shanxi will use Taiyuan's East-West Mountain Water Diversion Project to replenish the nine Fenhe River tributaries. It will also increase afforestation on East and West mountains to reduce soil erosion and enhance the water conservation capacity of the tributaries. 

The province will strengthen its reclaimed water recycling system in Yangqu county, which will guarantee the water quality of the Yangxing River. It will construct an ecological buffer belt along the Yangxing River to comprehensively improve its water quality and appearance, as well as develop an ecological corridor that will integrate ecological protection, leisure and tourism, and green industries. 

Shanxi will utilize the absorption, filtration and slow release of rainwater by urban sponges, such as buildings, roads, green spaces and water systems. It will also carry out initial rainwater collection and treatment, effectively control rainwater runoff, and perfect its natural water accumulation, infiltration, and purification systems. 

In addition, the province will accelerate the Jinyang Lake and the Fenhe River projects, which are restoration and treatment projects. 

Shanxi's aim is for all water bodies in the Fenhe River basin to have excellent water quality by 2025.