We need to expedite the planning and building of projects to divert water from the south to the north, Zhu said in his speech. Others doubt farmers can afford the expensive diverted water. But Zhu said the government would establish a rational pricing mechanism to limit water consumption. The five-year plan called for Chinese industries to recycle 60 percent of the water they use by 2005 and pledged to increase usable water resources. The plan also set a target of reducing sulfur dioxide emissions by 20 percent in some cities.
China has some of the world s most polluted cities.
Zhu demanded greater efforts to protect natural forests on the upper reaches of the Yangtze to prevent silting and floods downstream. And he said no time could be lost to control the sandstorms that have struck Beijing and created vast dunes that are marching steadily on the capital. Recipients should seek permission to reprint the article from the source listed above. Reading on line, downloading or other use of this information signifies acceptance of these conditions, and the Full Disclaimer.