Anhui strengthens development in Yangtze River Economic Belt

An implementation opinion was launched by the general office of Anhui Provincial Government and Anhui Provincial Party Committee in September 2017, putting ecological restoration along the Yangtze River as an overwhelming and predominant position.

The document offered overall planning for accelerated green development in the Yangtze River Economic Belt.

Specific goals due to be achieved by 2020 targeted four areas: ecological function, environmental quality, resource utilization and development of green industries.

The document referred to the protection and scientific use of water resources, and pollution prevention and control in key industries and fields, putting efforts to strengthen the protection and restoration of the ecological environment and promote the development of green circular low-carbon industries.

Measures will be taken to stop illegal sand mining and shutting down illegal wharves along the river, and to inspect outlets into the river and local chemical pollution, ensuring the safety of drinking water sources.

A batch of 10 projects will be carried out, focusing on restoring forests and wetlands, conserving biodiversity, and constructing urban sewage and garbage treatment facilities.

The projects also involve the control and prevention of pollution caused by agriculture, shipping, industry, heavy metal and phosphorus pollution, along with the green transformation of industrial parks into sustainable and environmentally friendly zones.