China to launch huge water quality drive

The Chinese government has revealed plans to invest trillions of yuan into boosting water quality in rivers and reservoirs across the country.

Concerns have been raised that the Asian nation could face a water shortage if urgent action is not taken.

Government officials have therefore announced that four trillion yuan (£380 billion) will be set aside to combat the problem.

Vice minister of water resources Jiao Yong said that 46,000 reservoirs need to be upgraded to ensure surrounding farmland is protected from potential flooding.

He also suggested that economic growth has led to 40 per cent of China's rivers being badly polluted.

"Industrialisation and urbanisation, including ensuring grain and food security, are exerting higher demands on water supplies... while our water use remains crude and wasteful," he commented.

The authorities recently called on manufacturers of toxic products to do more to protect air quality throughout the country, the Associated Press reported.

Posted by Lauren Steadman