Core Points - The Zhao Kou Yellow River Irrigation District Phase II project has officially passed completion acceptance, marking the start of comprehensive operational management [1][2] - The project is a significant water conservancy initiative under the State Council, aimed at enhancing water resource allocation in Eastern Henan and supporting agricultural irrigation [1][2] Group 1: Project Overview - The Zhao Kou Yellow River Irrigation District is the largest irrigation area in Henan Province, with a designed irrigation area of 5.87 million acres [1] - The Phase II project, which began construction in 2019 and achieved water delivery in June 2024, covers an irrigation area of 2.205 million acres [1][2] - The project includes a complete irrigation and drainage system, addressing agricultural, rural, and industrial water needs in multiple counties [1] Group 2: Economic and Environmental Impact - The project is expected to add 409 million pounds of grain annually to the Eastern Henan region and facilitate the annual allocation of 651 million cubic meters of water resources [2] - The average annual water intake from the Yellow River is projected to be 237 million cubic meters, enhancing the region's flood disaster prevention capabilities [2] - The irrigation area will cover 14 counties in five cities, contributing to the vision of making the Yellow River a source of prosperity for the people [2]

Core Viewpoint - The completion and acceptance of the Zhao Kou Yellow River Irrigation District Phase II project marks a significant advancement in water resource management for the eastern Henan region, enhancing agricultural irrigation and water supply capabilities [1][2]. Group 1: Project Overview - The Zhao Kou Yellow River Irrigation District Phase II project has passed its completion acceptance, officially entering a new phase of comprehensive operational management [1][2]. - This project is part of the national initiative to enhance water conservation and supply, included in the planning for an additional 1 billion jin of grain production capacity [1]. Group 2: Agricultural Impact - The project is expected to add 4.09 billion jin of grain annually for the eastern Henan region, significantly improving local agricultural productivity [2]. - The total irrigated area of the Zhao Kou Yellow River Irrigation District will reach 5.87 million acres, covering 14 counties in five cities, including Zhengzhou and Kaifeng [2]. Group 3: Water Resource Management - The project will facilitate an annual water resource allocation of 651 million cubic meters, with an average annual intake of 237 million cubic meters from the Yellow River [2]. - It also has the capability to supplement groundwater through coordinated channel management and can provide ecological replenishment to local rivers, enhancing flood disaster prevention in the region [2].

Core Insights - The article discusses the achievements of China's water conservancy sector during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, particularly in flood prevention and control measures. Group 1: Flood Management Achievements - Since the beginning of the "14th Five-Year Plan," 3,981 rivers in China have experienced floods exceeding warning levels, with 223 rivers recording the largest floods since records began [1] - The water conservancy department emphasizes the safety of people's lives and property, implementing a comprehensive disaster prevention and mitigation strategy [1] Group 2: Engineering Improvements - The construction of flood control projects has been prioritized, increasing flood storage capacity by 3.5 billion cubic meters and enhancing the flood control capabilities of major rivers to withstand the largest floods since the founding of New China [1][2] - A total of 17,994 dangerous reservoirs have undergone reinforcement, and 56 national flood retention areas have been established [1] Group 3: Monitoring and Forecasting Enhancements - The rainwater monitoring and forecasting system has been significantly improved, with the number of hydrological monitoring stations reaching 133,000, achieving full coverage of major rivers and tributaries [2] - The flood forecasting period for major rivers has been extended from 3 days to 10 days [2] Group 4: Organizational and Operational Efficiency - A three-in-one defense work system has been established, enhancing the institutional, standardized, and modernized levels of flood disaster prevention [2] - The operation of large and medium-sized reservoirs has been optimized, with 25,311 reservoirs managing to store 526.4 billion cubic meters of floodwater, protecting 7,661 towns and avoiding the displacement of 42.78 million people [2] - The proportion of flood disaster losses to GDP has decreased from 0.28% during the "13th Five-Year Plan" to 0.18% during the "14th Five-Year Plan" [2]

Core Viewpoint - The Chinese government has issued a comprehensive plan to enhance river protection and management, emphasizing the integration of ecological preservation and economic development, with specific targets and tasks outlined in 24 arrangements [1][4]. Group 1: River Protection and Management - The plan aims to implement integrated protection and systematic governance of rivers, focusing on the entire river basin from source to estuary, while enhancing ecological quality and stability [1]. - The "People's River" concept is promoted, highlighting the relationship between water resources, ecological environment, and socio-economic development [4]. Group 2: National Water Network Construction - The successful trial operation of the "Yin Chuo Ji Liao" project marks a significant step in the national water network, improving irrigation conditions and addressing water supply issues in the region [2]. - Major water diversion projects have been completed, with the South-to-North Water Diversion Project transferring over 800 billion cubic meters of water, benefiting approximately 185 million people [2]. Group 3: Rural Water Supply and Irrigation - Recent efforts have led to the construction of 72 large and medium-sized irrigation areas and modernization of over 1,900 irrigation projects, increasing irrigated area by 1.91 million acres [3]. - Rural water supply projects have improved drinking water safety for 340 million rural residents, achieving a national tap water coverage rate of 94% [3]. Group 4: Groundwater Protection - Groundwater over-extraction has decreased by 31.9% since 2015, with significant reductions in over-extraction areas, particularly in North China [5]. - The government plans to set specific targets for groundwater management, including reduction of over-extraction and restoration of river and lake areas [6]. Group 5: Flood Control and Disaster Management - The plan emphasizes the need for a comprehensive flood control system to enhance resilience against extreme weather events, with specific measures for monitoring and managing flood risks [7][8]. - The government is focusing on improving flood control capabilities and emergency response mechanisms to effectively manage flood disasters [7].