Beijing: Chinese engineers have set off the first of a 112-day series of controlled explosions that will clear reefs on the lower sections of the Yangtze River (pictured) thus increasing channel depth. The project, which would clear 26 kms of the Taiziji section of the river-bed near the city of Anqing in Eastern China, is expected to improve shipping in the region.
The Chinese Government is believed to have set aside $1.8bn for development of the Yangtse including dredging and port construction as part of the 11th five-year-plan period (2006-2010).
Although navigation around Taiziji is temporarily suspended, the government is making every effort to minimise the impact on shipping. The blasting is slated for completion by June 25, and the debris are expected to be cleared by February next year. [07/03/07]
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