(CFP Photo)

Jiangsu will fully implement the state overall planning for comprehensive water environment management in the Taihu Lake basin, according to a meeting by the provincial government presided over by governor Xu Kunlin on August 2.

Xu stressed the significance of the lake’s water environment management to the ecological civilization efforts in the province and the country. After acknowledging achievements in the endeavor, Xu said challenges still lie ahead and need more hard work to find the solution.

He called the overall planning a fundamental guideline that also marks the start of a new round of ecological governance of the area.

It’s important to implement the new development concept completely and accurately, adhere to ecological priority and green development and promote sustained improvement, said Xu.

He also said efforts will be made to strengthen coordinated, systematic and holistic governance of the Taihu Lake basin, prevent water quality from getting worse in a large scale, modernize ecological and environmental governance, and improve flood control and water allocation capacity.

Jiangsu will insist on less carbon emissions, less pollution and more green growth while optimizing industrial layout of the Taihu Lake basin, accelerating intelligent and digital transformation of traditional industries, and advancing sustainable agriculture and low-carbon lifestyle, according to Xu.

The province will also proceed with eco-friendly dredging operations, give full play to the role of the river and lake chiefs, and make the basin an area of clean water, green environment and beautiful landscape.