Introduction What is a gorge? The ‘Three Gorges’ consisting of Qutang Gorge
(瞿塘峽 ), Wu Gorge (巫峽 ) and Xiling Gorge (西 陵 峽 ), stretchs on a 192 km section of Chiangjiang.
The Three Gorges presents a scene of boundless variety with the magnificence ( 雄 ) of Qutang Gorge, the elegance ( 秀 ) of Wu Gorge and the danger (險 ) of Xiling Gorge.
Dr. Sun Y.S. first proposed to improve the navigation of upper Changjiang and explore the possibility of HEP at 3 Gorges.
An team of American engineers visited 3 Gorges and Finished a report about dam construction.
In 1953, Mao C.T. visited Changjiang and developed the idea of Three Gorges Project.
1956, Mao proposed a plan of which a dam location was recommended Sandouping.
However, the proposal was brought to a halt by different reasons.
A Short History of 3 Gorges Project
China government started to build Gezhouba in 1970. The proposal was revived in early 80s consequent to the
needs for flood control, generation of hydroelectric power, and improved navigation.
The construction was finally endorsed at the 5th plenary session of the 7th National People’s Congress (人民代表大會 ) in 1992.
The dam site is situated at Sandouping of Yichang City, Hubei Province, about 40 km upstream from the existing Gezhouba Project in Yichang.
A Short History of 3 Gorges Project (cont’d)
The Resolution for the Construction was passed at the 5th session of the 7th National People's Congress on the 3rd of April,1992
Benefits of TGP
The Three Gorges Project (TGP) is a multi-purpose project which offers three major direct benefits:
Flood Control Power Generation Navigation Water Transfer
Construction progress Construction for the whole Three Gorges
Project (TGP) will take about 17 years, starting from 1993 until 2009: Preparation and Stage I Construction :
5 years (1993 - 1997) Stage II Construction:
6 years (1998 - 2003) Stage III Construction :
6 years (2004 - 2009)
Impacts of TGP Hydrological impacts Environmental impacts Landscape impacts Cultural impacts Developmental impacts
Wanxian is located roughly 300 kilometers upstream from the construction site of the Three Gorges Dam - this city stands to lose much of its bustling waterfront when the dam is completed. (Dec. 2001)
The red flag above the man's head is turned upside down to indicate that "luck has come", though the writing on the wall serves as a reminder that the town will soon be demolished. (Dec. 2001)
Advantages of Resettlement The “development-oriented assistance” policy,
instead of one-payment compensation, helps the resettled people to exploit the local resources in order to create stable production.
The trial resettlement has been a great success, and per capita income rose from USD 40 to 130/yr. Local people are aware of these benefits and support for the project.
The development initiates the economical restructuring.
Sustainable development in TG Region
The long term solution relies on the sustainable development through creating new opportunities in agriculture and upgrading and expanding industry at the time of settlement.
In recent years, different kinds of eco-villages have been established as a response to the issue.
Ecology is the foundation for development.
Soil erosion and solutions Ecological agriculture Terracing
Stone terrace Earth bund Hedgerow
Slope stabilization Development of secondary and tertiary industries