BEIJING, Aug. 11 (Xinhua) -- The first phase of China's South-to-North Water Diversion Project has diverted a cumulative total of more than 90 billion cubic meters of water through its eastern and middle routes as of Monday, marking a new milestone for the world's largest water diversion initiative.
The middle route has diverted over 80.05 billion cubic meters of water, while the eastern route has transferred more than 9.95 billion cubic meters, according to the Ministry of Water Resources and China South-to-North Water Diversion Corporation Ltd.
Since the first phase of the eastern and middle routes became fully operational in 2014, the project has provided a stable and high-quality water supply to 48 major cities, benefiting 195 million people.
The first phase has also played a crucial role in ecological restoration. More than 13.1 billion cubic meters of water have been diverted for ecological replenishment to over 50 rivers along the routes.
As the backbone and artery of the national water network, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project continues to play an increasingly vital role in optimizing water resource allocation, ensuring drinking water safety, restoring river and lake ecosystems, and boosting the economy.
China is stepping up efforts to build six major infrastructure networks, with water networks listed as a top priority. As the main framework of the national water network continues to improve, the comprehensive benefits of the project are expected to expand further.
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