Li Dianxun Emphasizes During the Dispatch of Provincial Drought Relief Work

Multi-Dimensional Assessment of the Situation, Precise Response to Challenges

Coordinated Efforts to Carry Out All Aspects of Drought Relief, Flood Control, Disaster Mitigation, and Rescue Work Across the Province

Due to continuous high temperatures, low rainfall, and reduced upstream water flow, the drought situation in the province has continued to develop recently. On the afternoon of August 26, the Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Governor, and Commander of the Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters, Li Dianxun, went to the Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Emergency Command Center to dispatch drought relief work across the province.

After listening to the situation analysis and work reports from relevant provincial departments and some city and county governments, it was pointed out that the weather in the province has been unusually complex this year. With the current development of the drought, there may be a more severe cross-season and cross-year drought, which could seriously affect the economic and social development of the province. It is essential to deeply study and implement the important instructions on flood control and drought relief work, firmly establish bottom-line and extreme thinking, conduct multi-dimensional assessments of the situation, respond precisely to challenges, and coordinate all aspects of drought relief, flood control, disaster mitigation, and rescue work across the province.

It was emphasized that the key to effectively addressing the current drought is to adhere to the precise implementation of the “Six Water Uses” strategy. First, “Scientific Water Storage”: seize every favorable opportunity to use methods such as blocking, diverting, lifting, and transferring water to maximize the intake and storage of drought-resistant water sources. Second, “Coordinated Water Transfer”: fully utilize the regulation role of water conservancy projects to balance abundance and scarcity, and carry out coordinated control of reservoir releases, sluice gate diversions, pump station lifts, and mobile pumping to effectively meet the demand for drought-resistant water extraction. Third, “Precise Water Supply”: based on the principle of “ensuring drinking water for urban and rural residents, stabilizing agricultural irrigation water, and considering ecological environment water needs,” develop scientific and reasonable water supply plans to maximize the efficiency of water resource allocation. Fourth, “Emergency Water Security”: adhere to a people-centered governance philosophy, dynamically identify and accurately control urban and rural areas that may face water shortages, make every effort to increase water supply sources, and ensure emergency water needs, especially for human and livestock drinking water. Fifth, “Artificial Rainfall”: closely monitor the development trends of rainfall, water conditions, soil moisture, and drought, and carry out artificial rain enhancement at appropriate times. Sixth, “Water Conservation Awareness”: strengthen education on water conservation, promote water-saving efficiency in agriculture, reduce water discharge in industry, lower water loss in urban areas, and open new water sources in key regions, driving a shift towards more economical and intensive water use methods.

It was emphasized that greater attention should be paid to essential safety, focusing on solving the fundamental problem of uneven spatial and temporal distribution of water resources in the province. Seize the opportunity of the “15th Five-Year Plan” preparation to, with a broad spatial vision and deep historical perspective, coordinate the resources of “rivers, lakes, and reservoirs,” balance “hard investments and soft construction,” scientifically plan and pragmatically advance various water conservancy projects, and accelerate the construction of a “safe, resilient, modern water network” across the province. This network should be based on natural rivers and lakes, with diversion and drainage projects as channels and storage projects as nodes, featuring a rational layout, appropriate diversion and drainage, smooth circulation, and flexible control, fundamentally enhancing the comprehensive ability to resist floods and droughts.

It was required that all regions, relevant departments, and units across the province shoulder the responsibility of drought relief work, ensuring they “have a clear understanding and effective strategies.” It is essential to foster a “unified chessboard” mindset, strengthen coordination and linkage between upstream and downstream, left and right banks, and main and tributary streams to enhance overall efficiency. Efforts must focus on both addressing current risks and preparing for potential challenges. While implementing various drought relief measures, it is also necessary to coordinate the prevention and control of risks such as agricultural pests, forest fires, geological disasters, and sudden transitions from drought to flood, as well as stabilize growth, prevent risks, and ensure people’s livelihoods, striving to complete the annual economic and social development goals and achieve a successful conclusion of the “14th Five-Year Plan.”

Before the meeting, a visit was made to the Hubei Provincial Hydrological and Water Resources Center to understand the provincial hydrological monitoring and early warning work, observe the distribution and development trends of the drought in the Han River Basin, and emphasize the need to continuously improve the monitoring, analysis, and early warning capabilities

Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters

The Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters is a government agency in China responsible for managing and coordinating responses to water-related disasters. It was established to mitigate the devastating impacts of seasonal floods and droughts that have historically affected agricultural and populated regions. Its history is rooted in the country’s long-standing efforts to control its major river systems and protect its people from these recurring natural events.

Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Emergency Command Center

The Provincial Flood Control and Drought Relief Emergency Command Center is a modern operational hub responsible for coordinating responses to water-related disasters. It was established to improve preparedness and management following significant historical flood events in the province. The center utilizes advanced technology for monitoring, forecasting, and directing emergency measures to protect lives and property.

Six Water Uses

I am not familiar with a specific cultural or historical site known as “Six Water Uses.” This term could potentially refer to a local custom, a modern art installation, or a principle of water management, but it is not a widely recognized landmark with a documented history. Could you please provide more context or clarify the location you are referring to?

Scientific Water Storage

I am not familiar with a specific cultural or historical site known as “Scientific Water Storage.” This term generally refers to the modern engineering practice of managing water resources through reservoirs, dams, and tanks. For a summary, I would need the name of a particular site, such as a specific ancient reservoir or a famous dam.

Coordinated Water Transfer

“Coordinated Water Transfer” refers to large-scale, engineered water management systems designed to move water from areas of surplus to regions of scarcity. These projects have a long history, with ancient examples like Roman aqueducts, though modern iterations are complex national endeavors involving dams, canals, and pipelines. They are often created to support agriculture, supply drinking water to growing populations, and address environmental challenges.

Precise Water Supply

“Precise Water Supply” refers to the ancient Roman aqueducts, a sophisticated network of channels and bridges engineered to transport fresh water into cities and towns. This system was a monumental achievement in civil engineering, developed primarily between 312 BC and 226 AD, which enabled the growth of the Roman Empire by providing public baths, fountains, and private households with a reliable water source. Its legacy lies in its advanced use of gravity flow and precise gradient calculations, principles that still influence modern water supply infrastructure.

Emergency Water Security

I am unable to provide a summary for “Emergency Water Security” as it does not refer to a specific place or cultural site. The term describes a state of preparedness or a set of measures, such as infrastructure and policies, implemented to ensure a reliable water supply during crises like droughts or contamination events.

Hubei Provincial Hydrological and Water Resources Center

The Hubei Provincial Hydrological and Water Resources Center is a modern administrative institution responsible for monitoring and managing water resources across Hubei Province, China. It was established to address the critical need for flood control, water quality assessment, and sustainable water management, particularly given the province’s location along the Yangtze River. Its work is historically informed by the region’s long and complex relationship with its extensive river systems.