Three Gorges Dam Clears First Test

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YICHANG, CHINA(GaeaTimes.com)- The controversial and much touted Three Gorges Dam of China has reportedly passed its first crucial test in controlling flood as the Chinese government officials have claimed. The building of the huge dam was finished only last year. A number of environmentalists expressed concerns over its feasibility earlier. Recently the dam passed its first vital test of controlling floodwater. Reportedly it was hit by water gushing at a velocity of 70,000 cubic meters per second. The dam did not suffer at the pressure the officials said. They also expressed confidence that with this dam they will be able to tackle flooding much better in future.

Without the Three Gorges Dam the other small dams of the country will suffer and the flooding will not remain under control. The Chinese government is sure that it will be able to control and reduce incidents of flooding in near future. The dam cost a whopping $24 billion to the government. For setting up this dam the government had to displace several thousands of people and this resulted in controversy. The environmentalists think that there is a possibility of ecological damage from this dam in future. They feel it may lead to heavy erosion downstream and landslide as well.

The Three Gorges Dam is a technological marvel according to the government of China. The government took up stringent flood control measures after the country was hit by the massive flood of 1998. The government completed over 25 flood control projects. The government also has plans to set up extensive natural disaster management and prevention systems.