Gorge project on hold
By Jiao Xiaoyang (China Daily)
Updated: 2008-03-10 06:50

Hutiaoxia, or Tiger Leaping Gorge, one of the world's most spectacular, will not be dammed for the time being due to ecological concerns, local officials said.

The gorge is an essential part of the UNESCO World Heritage-protected Three Parallel Rivers areas in northwest Yunnan, comprising three major rivers - the Nujiang, Jinsha and Lancang.

The province was considering building a hydropower station near Hutiaoxia to explore the gorge's hydro resources and to fuel economic growth, Luo Zhengfu, executive vice-governor of Yunnan, said on the sidelines of the NPC session.

"However, given that the hydropower station could affect scenery, submerge 6,500-13,000 hectares of farmland and displace 80,000-100,000 residents, the provincial government has decided to reappraise the project and consider new plans," Luo said.

"Construction of the Hutiaoxia hydropower station has not begun. There has been no substantial progress with the project, just appraisal," he said.

The controversial plan to explore hydropower in the Nujiang River is also making slow progress, Luo said.

Yunnan Party chief Bai Enpei said exploration of the Nujiang depends on majority support and minimal environmental impact.

(China Daily 03/10/2008 page6)