Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the critical role of water resources and irrigation infrastructure in ensuring agricultural productivity and food security in Henan Province, which faces severe water scarcity challenges while being a major grain-producing area in China [7][11]. Water Resource Challenges - Henan Province has an average annual water resource total that accounts for only 1.43% of the national total, with a per capita water resource of 389 cubic meters, which is less than one-fifth of the national average, categorizing it as an extremely water-scarce region [7]. - Despite these challenges, Henan maintains over 110 million acres of arable land and produces 10% of the nation's grain and 25% of its wheat, achieving a stable grain output of over 1.3 trillion jin for eight consecutive years [7]. Irrigation Infrastructure - The province has a comprehensive irrigation system, including 2,540 reservoirs, 16,700 kilometers of levees, 14 flood retention areas, 299 large and medium-sized irrigation districts, 1.15 million wells, and 240,000 kilometers of ditches, forming a robust safety net for flood and drought management [7]. - In response to drought conditions, Henan has utilized water storage projects and cross-basin water diversion projects to ensure timely irrigation, effectively alleviating water pressure during dry years [8]. Flood Management - The water management system in Henan includes a multi-layered defense strategy involving reservoirs, river channels, and drainage ditches to mitigate flood risks [9]. - Recent investments in flood control infrastructure, such as the 12.7 billion yuan spent on comprehensive waterway connectivity projects, have improved the region's ability to manage heavy rainfall and prevent crop damage [13]. Agricultural Development - The province's agricultural sector has increasingly integrated modern irrigation techniques, including smart irrigation systems that enhance water efficiency and reduce costs [17]. - By 2030, Henan aims to establish 94.59 million acres of high-standard farmland, with 54.24 million acres dedicated to efficient water-saving irrigation [17]. Digital Innovations - The implementation of digital twin technology in irrigation management has improved water distribution accuracy and efficiency, with some projects achieving a 90% precision rate in water allocation [18]. - The ongoing development of a provincial-level digital twin platform aims to enhance the management of water resources and improve the resilience of agricultural systems against water-related challenges [18].

Core Viewpoint - The press conference highlighted the achievements in high-quality water conservancy development during the "14th Five-Year Plan" period, emphasizing significant investments and infrastructure improvements in China's water management system [1][4]. Investment and Infrastructure Development - Water conservancy construction investment reached over 1 trillion yuan in 2022, marking a historical record, with projections of 13.529 billion yuan in 2024 and a total investment exceeding 5.4 trillion yuan during the "14th Five-Year Plan," which is 1.6 times that of the "13th Five-Year Plan" [1]. - A total of 172 major water conservancy projects were initiated, with the completion of 95,000 reservoirs, 200 large and medium-sized water diversion projects, and 31,800 kilometers of embankments by the end of 2024 [1][4]. Water Resource Utilization - The capacity for water resource conservation and utilization has improved, with the national water network coverage expected to reach 80.3% by the end of 2024, and irrigated farmland area reaching 1.09 billion acres [1][5]. - The South-to-North Water Diversion Project's East and Middle Line has transferred over 83 billion cubic meters of water, benefiting 195 million people in 48 large and medium-sized cities [6]. Structural and Functional Optimization - The water conservancy sector has focused on optimizing layout, structure, function, and system integration, with significant progress in constructing major water diversion projects and enhancing water supply capabilities [5][6]. - The total water diversion capacity of north-south and east-west channels has reached 819 billion cubic meters and 734 billion cubic meters, respectively [6]. Agricultural Water Security - The water conservancy department has implemented measures to enhance food security, including the development of modern irrigation districts and the modernization of 1,959 large and medium-sized irrigation districts, increasing irrigated area by over 20 million acres [7]. - In response to droughts, targeted actions were taken to ensure water supply for crops, with 62 billion cubic meters of water released to support 18.3 million acres of autumn crops during severe droughts in 2022 [7][8]. Water Efficiency Improvement - By the end of 2024, the area of water-saving irrigation is expected to reach 63.8 million acres, a 12.5% increase from the end of the "13th Five-Year Plan," with a reduction in average water usage per acre [8].

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significance of the Phoenix Neck Pump Station in the Yangtze River Water Diversion Project, which is part of China's major water conservation and supply initiatives [1] Group 1: Project Overview - The Yangtze River Water Diversion Project is one of China's 172 major water conservancy projects aimed at water conservation and supply [1] - The project integrates multiple functions including water supply, navigation, and ecological preservation [1] Group 2: Infrastructure Details - The Phoenix Neck Pump Station is located in Wuhu City, Anhui Province, and serves as a key hub for the West Zhaohua Line of the water diversion project [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the severe drought conditions in the Huai River basin and the proactive measures taken by the Anhui provincial water conservancy department to ensure water supply for urban residents and agricultural irrigation through major water diversion projects. Group 1: Water Diversion Projects - The Yangtze River water diversion project has played a crucial role in combating drought, with the East Fei River section being a key node where water is pumped and diverted into the Huai River. Since the opening of the East Fei Gate on July 18, approximately 1.89 billion cubic meters of water have been diverted over 12 days [2]. - The Huai Water North Diversion Project, an extension of the Yangtze River diversion project, has also been significant in providing water. As of July 31, 2023, it has supplied 17.61 million cubic meters of water to Suzhou and Huai Bei, with a total of 59.99 million cubic meters supplied this year [3]. Group 2: Regional Drought Impact - The city of Huainan has experienced a drastic reduction in rainfall, with only 17 mm recorded in July, a decrease of 80%-90% compared to the same period in previous years. The city has relied on the first phase of the Yangtze River diversion project for approximately 1.89 billion cubic meters of water to support agriculture [4]. - In Fuyang, the average rainfall has been only 14 mm since late June, down over 90% from the norm. The city has intensified its drought response, extracting over 200 million cubic meters of water since late June, a threefold increase compared to previous years [4]. - The Cihua New River irrigation area has also been active, with the management bureau operating the pumping station for 58 days, extracting 3.81 billion cubic meters of water to meet urban and agricultural irrigation needs [4].