Construction on the Three Gorges dam was completed in the summer of 2006, and the water level in the Qutang, Wuxia, and the western portion of the Xiling Gorges has already risen by about 100-150m since 2003. The dam has been built in Sandouping in the middle of the Xiling Gorge.
With a length of 2335 meters and a height of 185 meters it is the largest hydroelectric river dam in the world, more than five times the size of the Hoover Dam. Its total generating capacity will reach 22500 MW. The dam will also control the seasonal floods. The economic benefits are partly offset by the relocation of 1.13 million people who lived in the area flooded by the dam, the loss of many valuable archaeological and cultural sites, as well as the effects on the environment.
While we visited the dam a dance performance representing the taming of the Jiangze river took place in the dam compound, performed by a multitude of artists.
Page viewed 35524 times since 01.07.2007
©Copyright Alfred Molon