焦点访谈｜一渠“活水”浇灌“血浓于水”的亲情

Core Viewpoint - The East River-Shenzhen water supply project, established 60 years ago, has been crucial in providing water to Hong Kong, significantly improving living conditions and supporting economic development in the region [1][25]. Group 1: Historical Context - The East River-Shenzhen water supply project was initiated to address severe water shortages in Hong Kong, particularly highlighted during a major drought in 1963 when residents faced extreme water rationing [5][7]. - The project was designed with an initial supply capacity of 68 million cubic meters per year, which was a significant engineering challenge at the time due to limited technology [7][11]. Group 2: Development and Expansion - Over the years, the supply capacity of the East River water supply project has been expanded multiple times, increasing from the original 68 million cubic meters to 2.423 billion cubic meters, with actual annual supply to Hong Kong rising from 41 million cubic meters to 820 million cubic meters, a 20-fold increase [13][25]. - The project has undergone several upgrades to meet the growing demand due to Hong Kong's economic development, with expansions occurring approximately every ten years since the initial construction [11][13]. Group 3: Water Quality and Environmental Measures - To ensure water quality, significant measures have been implemented, including the construction of a biological nitrification station capable of processing 4 million tons of water daily, which filters all water before it reaches Hong Kong [15]. - Local governments have enacted numerous laws and regulations to protect water quality along the East River, achieving a 100% compliance rate for drinking water sources [15]. Group 4: Recent Developments and Future Plans - The introduction of the Pearl River Delta Water Resource Allocation Project, which connects water from the West River, aims to enhance water supply security for Hong Kong and the surrounding regions, ensuring a stable supply even during droughts [19][21]. - This new project, with a length of 113 kilometers and an annual supply capacity of 1.7 billion cubic meters, supports the economic needs of over 32 million people in the region [21]. Group 5: Societal Impact - The East River water supply project has delivered over 30 billion cubic meters of water to Hong Kong over the past 60 years, significantly improving living conditions and supporting the region's economic growth [25]. - The project symbolizes the deep connection between Hong Kong and mainland China, reflecting a commitment to mutual development and cooperation [25].