Sandouping will be the biggest dam in the world which soared in comparison to anything man-made, definitely as impressive as the Great Wall.

　　The dam was so big that, even from first sight, it wouldn't fit in the camera lens. It soared in comparison to anything man-made, definitely as impressive as the Great Wall. After expenditures of an estimated 50 billion RMB (international) or 12 billion (China) and the pouring of 11 million tons of cement, Sandouping will rise 185 metres in height and extend 2309 metres in length to hold back about 2,000 miles of the Yangtze River. The lives of 350 million complacent people living in the watershed will change one way or another.

　　The biggest dam in the world highlights progress and gives China more face, shining in the light of a won Olympic bid and WTO. Practically, it will control annual flooding. 26 generators will supply hydroelectricity for nearly 15% of China's power needs, replacing a polluted energy equivalent from 50 million tons of raw coal or 25 million tons of crude oil. Behind the waterwall, hinterland prosperity will rise due to increased transportation on the 360 mile lake/reservoir. Numbers and statistics resonate with reassurance and pride, for this immense project is unproven. It is goingswheresengineers have never been before. Liang Chao, reporting from the second International Symposium on Flood Defence held recently in Beijing ,swheres200 experts from 30 countries gathered, quotes Qian Zhenying, from the Chinese Academy of Engineering Sciences:

　　Only by finding outlets for massive seasonal floodwaters can China develop its estimated 1 million square kilometres of populous and fertile alluvial river plains, and be in harmony with floods.?Farmers will be the beneficiaries of an energized focus on flood management with protection strategies rather than the conditioned reaction of fighting them. Not only will crops be sustainable, but homes will no longer be under annual threat from overflowing banks.

　　The project has not been without its critics. Aided by modern technology, hydrologists have conducted many necessary feasibility tests, previously unavailable. The location, for example, is in an earthquake fault. According to a China Daily's Fu Jing, reporting from the same Symposium, Shou Jiahua, vice-minister of land and resources offers reassurance that 4 billion yuan is dedicated to prevention and control work in 197 zones around the 3 Gorges that may be subject to landslides. Shou also admits that geological disasters cannot be totally avoided as erosion around the reservoir may occur with water level fluctuations. It has become advantageous to take geological disaster prevention measures and work proactively with natural topography and weather patterns.

　　The project itself has created thousands of jobs for a newly-skilled workforce. For success, there must be quality control in the manufacturing of construction cement, machinery and labour, and steps have been taken to filter mucky water of tons of silt before passing cleanly through finely-tuned turbines. Materials, sources, suppliers, fabrication, and workmanship have been routinely subjected to inspection by administrators, financial supporters and foreign observers.

　　The relocation of those losing homes to rising water levels is recognized as a good thing, as government-supplied new housing improves squalid living conditions. Compensation for their trouble is like winning a lottery. Isolation and infrequent supply boats will be redeemed for community parks and modern kitchens. A heritage of antiquities that was previously taken for granted is undergoing a second look and belated preservation measures are taking place. Outdated factories left over from the 50s are being demolished and a renewed attitude towards energy and sustainable development is at the forefront of new communities. Like Rip Van Winkle awakening from a long sleep, the Yangtze riverfolk are pushing their lifestyle envelopes quicklysintosa more comfortable present.

　　Environmentalists areshavingsa field-day with effects of the new lake. What of the increased evaporation and reflection from the water surface? A predicted ecological changesintossquare miles of tropical rainforest reaching as far as Xi'an may impact on marine, feral and domestic plants or animals, opening a huge global classroom for in-depth study of wildlife, climate, human productivity and tropical diseases. Popular river cruises through the 3 gorges will continue, but with a changed visual impact from floating higher past the valley walls. An increased waterfront shoreline should see more resorts and leisure activities, as communities heighten awareness of water quality.

　　In 256 BC, in the watershed of the Min River, a Yangtze tributary, north-west of Chengdu, Sichuan Province, Li Bing ingeniously rerouted the water flow. What must, at the time, have seemed like a far-fetched scheme to improve irrigation to peasants, it turned out to be a most propitious act. To this day, the engineering of islands, levees, and channels is a marvel of logic and design, used as a model throughout the world. In addition to its straightforward function out of a practical need, the mountains and parks, temples and tourists at the site attest to its endurability as a positive change in man's ability to get along with Mother Nature. As the Sandouping Dam enters its rightful place in history, ahead of schedule, it too will have its doubters, but ultimately it behooves us to not underestimate the power of water nor man's determination to harness it.