Part 5/12:
The Eastern Route, already operational but not entirely finished, diverts water from the Yangtze River to major northern cities like Tianjin. Enhancements to the existing Grand Canal, parts of which date back to the fifth century BC, involve more than 20 pumping stations along its 1,100-kilometer length to facilitate water flow.
Conversely, the Western Route remains controversial and has not yet begun construction. This segment proposes to divert water from Tibet's Yi River to the Yellow River, addressing the arid conditions in Inner Mongolia and neighboring provinces. However, this route is contentious due to its potential impact on vital rivers, such as the Mekong and Brahmaputra, which supply millions in Southeast Asia, including countries like Vietnam, Thailand, India, and Bangladesh.