The Three Gorges Dam


In this piece of coursework, I will be studying about the Three Gorges
Dam. The Three Gorges Dam is to be located on the Yangtze River near
the city of Yichang in China. The dam project is set at a cost of
17billion pounds. China is one of the worlds worst hit flood areas.
The Yangtze River is the longest river in China. It is very
unpredictable and frequently floods the surrounding lands killing
thousands of people and disrupting the community's way of life.
Because of this, the government had to crate a way to tame the river.
The building of the three gorges dams was the solution. The dam will
also boost Chinas hydroelectric project. It is set to be the world's
largest hydroelectric project and will include 26 generators that will
produce over 18000 megawatts of electricity. The expectancy is also
that it will bring 10 000-tonne ships to travel as far as Chongqing.
The project will promote the development of fishery in the reservoir,
tourism and recreational activities. It will improve the water quality
of the middle and lower reach of the river during the dry season; and
it will bring favourite conditions into being for the scheme of South
to North trans-basin water transfer.

The Yangtze River has over the centuries been used as a travel highway
for Chinese ships and sea transport. It is the world's third longest
River behind the Nile and the Amazon. It is 3, 964miles long. Across
the centuries, its fertile banks have been used as farmland by the
local people and are inhabited by millions of people.

Location: The chosen site for the project is in Sandouping, northwest
of Yichang city in Hubei Province and is located at the downstream
entrance to Xiling Gorge, 40 kilometers upstream from Gezhouba Dam.

The dam comes with advantages and disadvantages. The advantages have
already been mentioned above. The disadvantages are mostly
environmental. The natural beauty of the area will be lost, as it will
be cleared to make way for the dam. The dam will be built at an
enormous cost and it will result in over 2 million people being
relocated to new lands.

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THE CHINESE FLOODS OF 1991

Between late May and early August 1991,China suffered severe floods
affecting 18 provinces. There was widespread destruction and loss of
life. Between 206BC and 1949 the frequency of flooding in china was
one in two years, that is a total of 1902 major floods between the
mentioned periods. Flood prone areas are shown in the middle and lower
parts of Chinas major rivers. The Yangtze River and the Songhia River
were mainly the cause of the floods.

[IMAGE]



Causes of the flooding
======================

Excessive rainfall was the major factor. One area, the Anhui Province
received 35-50% of its annual 1200mm between a month that is between
18 May and 16 June. Reservoirs were too full to cope with the floods
because the floods were too early large proportions of China were hit
at one time. Silting in rivers had reduced the carrying capacity of
the rivers. Most rainwater was channelled into the lower parts of the
rivers. Intensive agricultural land use resulted in increased surface
run-off because inward infiltration was reduced.



Effects of the floods
=====================

* 206 million people were affected

* Chinas bread basket province of Anhui was worst hit and
4.35billion kilograms of grain were lost

* Cities were drowned

* 1100 factories were forced to suspend production

* Infrastructure including roads and bridges and hospitals and
schools were damaged.

* Chinas grand canal was closed after embankments collapsed,
suspending trade and tourist traffic

* Flood barriers were destroyed

Here is a report form one news agency
website-www.archive.greenpeace.org


WORST FLOODS THIS CENTURY IN THE YANGTSE RIVER.

1,000 die, 10 million are made homeless, and some 20% of China's
croplands are submerged. Chinese scientists blame the floods on global
warming. Flooding since May has killed around 1,800 people and
affected more than half of China's population of 1.1 billion, across
central, eastern and northern China. Exceptional rainstorms fall in
eastern China throughout June and into July. The Yangtze River
overflows its banks in many places and threatens Shanghai and Nanjing.
The floods result in over 1,300 deaths and some 10 million homeless
people. At one stage 20 percent of the croplands of China are
estimated to be under water. Rainfall from June to mid-July reaches
amounts more than half the average annual rainfall. The worst floods
in 50 years in east China cause an estimated $800 million damage.
Health authorities express concern at the rapid spread of water-borne
dysentery, typhoid, hepatitis and malaria as two million homeless
people camp in unsanitary roadside camps. More than half the summer
wheat crop in east- central China is destroyed. Chinese scientists
blame the early arrival of the floods on global warming.

Relief and aid after 1991 floods.

Information taken from www.tapei.tzuchi.org

Li Kashing donated US$50 million dollars

In July, Tzu Chi set up an account that would accept donations to help
victims

Master Cheng Yen donated US$15 000 in August

From October to December a fund raising event was held until December

Tzui Chi members donated 19 687 coats to 22 counties and towns

1635 cotton coats and pants and 984 comforters were delivered to
Xinghua, Jiangsu in

December

11451 cotton coats and pants, 5776 comforters, 858 825 kilograms of
rice and ermegency cash were distributed to Xi county Hena Province.

23 988 coats and pants, 16 425 comforters , 374 100 kilograms of rice
were distributed in eight towns in Gushi county also in Henan
Province; relief helped more than 40 000 people.

In Quanjiao, Anhui province, 19 131 coats and pants, 1059 comforters,
72 000 kilograms of seeds, 900 tonnes of fertiliser and money
delivered to 1955 poor old people

945 refugees are housed in houses built by Tzu Chi funds

568 households and 148 homes completed


History of the project

Project was first proposed by Sun Yat-sen in 1919 but the idea was
dropped due to political and economic hardships. Major floods brought
the idea back to life again in 1954. Arguments were brought forward
whether or not to build the dam. The then Vice Ministrer of electric
power in China Lin Yishan eventually concluded that the project must
not go ahead because of the high costs involved. Other social and
moral iussues like flooding of cities and farmland were brought up
against the idea.

In 1958 due to favourable political climate, Lin Yishan head of the
Yangtze Valley Planning office favoured the construction project. Then
Chinese leader, Mao Tse Tung also had the vision of the world's
largest hydro-electric dam in China. The construction ended as one of
the consequences of the disastrous Great Leap Forward.

The idea wsa resurrected in 1963 and was shelved again in1966 due to
the Cultural revolution. In 1969 threat of attack from the enemy that
was the Soviert Union further delayed the construction of the dam.
Econmic reform in 1978 resulted in the need for more electrical power.
Environmenatal and social concerns were once again an obastacle to the
dam project. In 1989 the project was yet again suspended for a further
five years after which time plans and preparations for the final phase
of the project were drafted. Since 1993 major construction has been
going on the project.


Building of the dam

The project is located in Sandouping, Yichang, Hubei province. It is
estimated that the total cost will be $24billion dollars (American
dollars). The functions of the dam as earlier stated will be to
generate power with capacity of 18.2 kilowatts, flood control and
improved navigation.


Construction timetable

1. 1993-1997-Yangtze river diverted

2. 1998-2003---first batch of generators begin to generate power in
2003 and a ship lock is scheduled to open for navigation.

3. 2004-2009----entire project completed in 2009 by which time all
26 generators are expected to be able to generate power.


Fund sources for the programme

1. Three gorges dam construction fund

2. Revenue from the Gezhouba power plant

3. Policy loans from the China development bank

4. Loans from domestic and foreign commercial banks

5. Corporate bonds

Model for three gorges project[IMAGE]

A relief channel first built to the side of the river to allow water
to be diverted while the dam was being built. . a 185m wall will be
built on the dry riverbed to block the river between the hills
resulting in the creation of a lake that will submerge the three
gorges , Qutong, Xiling and Wuxia. I.1million people will be displaced
by the project.


Contoversy

Projects of this magnitude tend to be marred by many contoversies.
This one is no exception. Certain news agencies and organisations
reckon that the dam will create an estimated 2 million refugees and it
will put to threat human health. It will also flood homes and many
cultural sites. Of notable importance is the unwillingness of the
World bank and the US Export and Import bank to fund the project.
Claims also suggest that warnings given by project critics are being
ignored. It is also reported that the project has resulted in te
improsonement, harrasment and censorship of citizens whose views are
against those of the officials. A lot of corruption is also reportedly
involved in the project.



ARGUMENTS FOR AND AGAINST PROPOSED DAM PROJECT
==============================================

Different viewpoints on the three gorges dam

The project has its supporters and opponents. All viewpoints neede
assment before considering the imapct the project would cause. On a
positive note, the project would generate economic development in
China through power generation. On a negative note it will cause
environmental and social unrest. Many residential dwellings like
towns, cities and villages will be flooded. 23 800 hectares of
farmland will be submerged. These pints need to be weighed out so as
to draw the most appropriate and accomodative decision that will be
acceptable to all parties invloved.



People likely to benefit from the project
=========================================

1. Chinese officials as project is likely to improve the economy

2. Unemployed persons as they are guaaranted a job in the
construction

3. Chinese people as a nation as project is likely to improve
standards of living and electricity capacity for the whole nation



People likely to suffer as a result of the project
==================================================

1. farmers who have long resided on the land and lose their
livelihood to make way for the project

2. the Chinese tax payer as any government funds going into the
project come directlt from the taxpayer.

3. local people whose villages and cities are flooded

4. tourism officials as the project will bring to hault any tourism
activity in the area.



Farmers viewpoint
=================

Many farmers will feel that valuable fertile land will be be lost.
Many will be concerned about the prospect of being moved from land
which has been their livelihood over generations and generations. The
fact that the land has been family property will cause moral distress
among families as many ancestral graves will be flooded and exposed.
The farmers will be wary of the lands on which they will be located as
they are most likely to be away from fertile river banks. The amount
of compensation given to many will seem an uneven replacement of the
loss of their valuable resource, their land. The prospect of
unemloyment will cause many to feel cheated as it will be hard for
them to make a living.



Chinese official's view
=======================

The official is likely to feel that the water conservancy project and
the hydropower will greatly develop the economy of the country. Hi
side of the argument will be based on the fact that the dam will
generate 9% of China's current electricalcapacity. The project will
also be seen as reducing the emission of atmospheric polluatnts
because hydropower is nonpollutant. The buildfing of the dam will also
be seen as a natural remedy to the thousands of deaths that occur as
the dam will tame the river. He or she wil feel that though farmers
are likely to be disadvantaged by the project, their sole existence
cannot be allowed to retard the economic growth of the country.



Environmentalists view
======================

They are likely to raise concern about the fact that the dam will
flood over 12 000 cultural and archaeological sites some dating back
to the Palaeothic age. Important fossils buried at the site will not
be excavated in the short time given. They will also feel that the
beauty of the area cannot just be given away. The breathtaking gorges
will cease to exist. 112 rare species of aquatic and marine life will
be endangered to extinction. Of notable importance is the Chinese
allligator, the dolphins and the paddlefish. The amount of water held
by the resevoir is lilely to trigger violent disturbances in the
bowels of the earth causing earthquakes that would devastate the
surrouunding lands and also put the dam itself at risk.

PROS

CONS

The dam increase China's electricity capacity by over 9%

Farmers will lose their valuable lands

Many jobs will be created as a result of the project

Rise in water held by reservoirs will trigger internal earth movements

High death rate due to flooding will be reduced

Chinese taxpayer will suffer high taxes to raise funds for the project

Navigation along the river will be greatly improved

Loss of marine and aquatic life

Farmers will be offered money in return for the loss of

their land

Sediment will build at the dam reducing its capacity.

Endangered species will be resettled in reserves

There will be an increase in water pollution caused by boats and ships

Project will improve the economy

Many will be left unemployed at the end of the project

The building of this dam may seem very beneficial in economic and
political terms. But looking on the negative side, there are forces
that if seriously considered might put the whole dam project into
shame.

On the positive side, the dam would create jobs. This will be the
situation until the dam is completely built. However this will create
a big problem for the government at the end of the project in 2009.
The massive number of people will have to be re employed in other
industries. The hydro project will not be able to accommodate all of
the people who took part in its creation. Many will be left unemployed
and standards of life will drop. By taming the river, the high deaths
and flooding will be reduced. The disadvantage of this will be that
the fertile banks of the river will become infertile because the
floods that were promoting the fertility of the river will no longer
be reaching the banks.

The river will allow large ships and boats to navigate with great
ease. This will boost the tourism industry in the area. Also water
transport will be improved. Trade and industry will also promoted, as
goods will be easily transported across. One of the major positives is
that the dam will generate hydroelectricity. The dam will have a
capacity of producing up to 18 000megawatts of electricity. This will
greatly reduce China's dependency on coal. This will as well benefit
the environment because water is a non-polluting like coal.

Here are some pictures of the three gorges program showing some of the
benefits the program will bring

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Floodgates will reduce flooding

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power and lighting

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Water life and water sports

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Beauty to the environment or surrondings

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Hydroelectricity poles

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Water transport system

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Tourists visiting

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Power for industry

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The Three Gorges Dam Project from a Systems Viewpoint

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China is the world's largest coal producer and user. By building the
three gorges hydroelectric project, it will cover up for 15 nuclear
power stations. These collectively use up 50million tons of coal. The
atmospheric pollutants released are:

* 100 million tons of carbon dioxide

* 10 000 tons of carbon monoxide

* 2 million tons of sulphuric dioxide

* 370 000 tons of nitrogen oxide

* Huge amounts of fly ash

Here are additional facts about China's 'destructive' coal industry

* 1.2billion tonnes was mined in 1995

* Forecast of rise by 1.4billion in the year 2000

* Coal makes up 75% of all energy consumption in China

Because of this, China is at high risk of acid rain. This is inclusive
of humans, animals and vegetation. As a matter of fact, respiratory
diseases are the number one killer in China. The project will at least
help counter all these problems and reduce China's dependency on
fossil fuels.

On a negative note high water levels in the valleys around the dam
much of China's mainland is at risk. Its valleys, cultural places,
burial sites and archaeological sites will be buried in the
overflowing waters. Cities and villages will be no exception.

[IMAGE]

The line on the picture shows the level of the high levels of rising
water the dam will cause. Much of the lands that will be used for
resettlement are unsuitable because they are about 800metres
seal-level, at which point the temperatures are unsuitable for farming
and the climate is much colder. The dam will also suffer from high
levels of silting. The carrying capacity of the river will be greatly
reduced. This will be a long-term effect of the dam project.


CONCLUSSION

I have finally come to the end of my coursework this piece has looked
at the three gorges project from all angles and I have tried to cover
the controversies involved in the project. Firstly as already said,
the project dates back into the early 20th century when it was stopped
or haulted due to political and economic reasons. The project resumed
full force in 1993 and has been going on to this very day. My opinion
on the matter is that the two major parties that play a major role in
the project must reach a compromise where everyone is catered for. The
politicians and the economists on the one hand and the historians and
the environmentalists on the other must join hands in this project. In
my view, the government cannot afford to lose all the cultural and
archaeological sites as they represent the vast and dignified history
of the Chinese nation. On the other hand environmentalists cannot
retard the growth of China economically and politically. I generally
think there is a balance in between the benefits and the problems. The
dam will provide much needed employment. This will increase the living
standards for many. At the same time many will be displaced by the
project. Towns and cities will be lost in the process. The dam will
reduce the deaths resulting from flooding. At the same time it will
raise concern on earthquakes. While the dam will help develop China's
economy, this will not come at a cheap cost (expected
expenditure=£25billion). The tourism industry will benefit from the
construction of the dam. At the same time the dam will result in
earthquakes. The dam will reduce Chinas dependency on fossil fuels.
This will benefit the environment, as harmful substances released into
the atmosphere by Chinas vast coal industry will be lowered.

I generally conclude that the dam project must go on. This is because
China has a very big population and because that the country has
high-energy needs. By using hydropower the harmful effects of gases
that cause global warming will be released. Many of Chinas people will
benefit. I also think that the farmers must not complain because the
government will pay them compensation. The government must make sure
that rare species of water-life are transferred to reserves to make
sure they are not lost. While working for improving the country, I
feel that the government has no right to deny people the right to say
what they feel is right for their country. Corrupt leaders must be
arrested and the government has to work with people because the same
people elected it. The government must not charge too high taxes from
the people to fund the project. It must try to do fundraising projects
and seek assistance from other sources to fund the dam. People who are
displaced by the project must be offered accommodation.

I feel that if all the above suggestions in utmost faith, then the
three gorges dam will be a success for China and the larger world.