Three Gorges Dam History - Origination

Three Gorges Dam History – Ancient Chinese History

Through the ages, the flood is the worst disaster of the world. It also happens frequently. It is a long history of resistance of human beings; in the meanwhile, the early human civilization has been created.

During the time of ancient Chinese history, Chinese people have had the coverage to fight with the flood. Many famous people strived to prevent floods by water control such as Da Yu (an ancient people in Chinese history), while the water conservancy project has brought many benefits to people such as ancient Dujiangyan Water Conservancy Project.

Three Gorges Dam History – Implement

Yangtze River, the 3rd longest river of the world, was originated from the roof of the world – the Himalayas. It flows through Chengdu City and Jiangsu Province offering the convenience of navigation and fishing. But on the other hand, when the flood season of Yangtze River comes, many countries are submerged and large numbers of people become dangerous. In the years, many properties have been lost and many people have been died in flood season. In order to deal with the problem, Three Gorges Project has been mentioned gradually in Three Gorges Dam history.

On the 3rd April, 1942 the decision of construction of Three Gorges Project has been appoved by National People's Congress. From then on, the largest water conservancy project of China has been implemented officially.

Three Gorges Dam History – Process

On the 14th December, 1994 Premier Li Peng officiallt announced the start of Three Gorges Project.

Three Gorges Dam is reinforced concrete gravity dam, 2335 meters long and 185 meters high. The normal water level is 175 meters with a total capacity of 39.3 billion cubic meters. The storage capacity of flood control is 22.15 billion cubic meters correspond to the storage capacity of four of flood-diversion area.

There are two power stations with 26 of generators, which could generate electricity of 84.9 billion kilowatts. The navigation capability will increase to 50 million ton from 1000 ton. At that time, the ten-thousand-tonnage ships such as Yangtze Cruise could navigate to Chongqing Municipality directly while the transport cost decreases 35-37%.

In addition, the 3000-ton freighters and ships are allowed to get through Three Gorges Dam of one-way navigation.

Three Gorges Project has been divided into three stages within 17 years. The 1st stage of the project has cost 6 years, the 2nd and the 3rd stage of the project have respectively cost 6 years.

In 1997, the river closure has been achieved successfully. In 2003, the permanent navigable buildings have been used and the first groups of electric generators have generated electricity. In 2009, Three Gorges Dam has been constructed successfully.

After the completion of Three Gorges Dam, around 632 square meters of land area has been submerged, including 20 countries. There are 1.1318 million migrants have moved to another city.