Altash Water Conservancy Project
Dam in Yarkant River Basin, southern Xinjiang
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Aritash Water Conservancy Project[2] (Chinese: 阿尔塔什水利枢纽工程),[3] also called as Aritash Hydro-junction dam,[4] is the largest water conservancy project in Xinjiang.[5] The project is located in the upper reaches of the Yarkant River and deep in the Kunlun Mountains.[6] It is called as "Xinjiang Three Gorges Dam"[7] by some Chinese experts.[8]
History
Background
The Yarkand River has been playing a crucial role in agriculture and development in Tashkurgan, Xinjiang. However, at the same time, the river brings floods to the town, severely damaging the crops, roads, and infrastructure. The Altash Water conservancy project is designed to control the upper reaches of the Yarkant River, therefore, solving the problems faced by local residents such as the destruction of crops and facilities. In addition, it will improve the ecological environment in the area surrounding the Yarkant River and support a more sustainable condition for economic and social development. [13]
