{"id":15206,"date":"2023-11-21T05:55:11","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T04:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/?p=15206"},"modified":"2023-11-21T05:55:11","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T04:55:11","slug":"why-is-the-dam-being-built-in-yangtze-river","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.aboutriver.com\/why-is-the-dam-being-built-in-yangtze-river\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Is The Dam Being Built In Yangtze River"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Background Information<\/h2>\n

The Yangtze River is the longest river in China and the third longest river in the world. It has been a source of life, sustenance and transportation since ancient times. In recent years, the construction of dams along the Yangtze has been a controversial issue due to the potential ecological damage and economic drawbacks they may cause. In spite of this, the Chinese government has announced plans to begin building the world’s largest dam along the Yangtze in 2020. The dam, which is a massive project, is estimated to cost around $30 billion.<\/p>\n

Reasons for Building the Dam<\/h2>\n

The Chinese government has stated that the primary purpose of the dam is to alleviate flooding in the region. In 1998, devastating floods on the Yangtze River caused over 4,000 deaths and caused billions of dollars in damages. Since then, the Chinese government has made flood prevention on the Yangtze a priority. The dam will be equipped with floodgates that can be opened to release excess water in the event of a flood. Additionally, the dam will be capable of generating hydroelectric power, making it an attractive option for a country that is increasingly reliant on renewable energy sources.<\/p>\n

Opposite Perspectives<\/h2>\n

Despite the benefits of the dam, environmentalists worry about the potential negative consequences for the river and its surrounding areas. The dam could displace tens of thousands of people in the region, as well as cause large-scale ecological damage. Additionally, building a dam across one of the world’s longest and widest rivers is an enormous task that could take years to complete. This could lead to delays and cost overruns, driving up the cost of the project beyond its already hefty price tag.<\/p>\n

My Own Insights<\/h2>\n

Building the dam comes with a great deal of risks, but the Chinese government has decided that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. While the potential economic and ecological effects of the dam are cause for concern, the Chinese government is confident that these can be managed and that the flooding prevention benefits are worth the risk.<\/p>\n

Implications for Future<\/h2>\n