Enviro News Asia, Beijing — China has successfully revitalized 88 major rivers and lakes nationwide as part of its ongoing “Mother River Rejuvenation” action plan for 2022–2025, the Ministry of Water Resources announced on Wednesday.
The initiative, which aims to restore ecological flows and water connectivity, has brought life back to waterways that had remained dry for decades. Each river and lake underwent a tailored restoration plan based on its ecological condition and hydrological needs.
Among the major milestones are the Yellow River, which has maintained continuous flow for 26 consecutive years, and the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal — once dry for a century — that has now sustained water flow along its full length for four years. In northern China’s Haihe River Basin, once known for water scarcity and pollution, systematic rehabilitation has reversed ecological degradation.
The Yongding River, dry for 26 years, has now flowed uninterrupted for five years, while Baiyangdian Lake has maintained stable ecological water levels for seven years, securing its role as a vital wetland ecosystem. Moving forward, China plans to expand the program to more basins, develop long-term mechanisms for water restoration, and strengthen ecosystem management to ensure lasting recovery of its rivers and lakes, the ministry stated. (*)
