China confronts raft of problems at Three Gorges

Associated Press

SHANGHAI – China is acknowledging serious troubles with its showcase Three Gorges Dam project, citing an urgent need to curb pollution and do a better job with relocations and disaster management related to the world's biggest hydroelectric project.

A government statement released Thursday outlines a blueprint for a cleaner, safer and more sustainable future for the Three Gorges, a scenic section of the Yangtze River that was dammed to create a 410-mile (660-kilometer) -long reservoir.

With shipping stalled by drought both upstream and downstream from the dam, authorities are scrambling to address a raft of problems connected with the $23 billion project.