The State Council executive meeting on Dec 21 urged accelerating the construction of post-disaster water conservancy projects and urban drainage waterlogging systems, as an effort to improve people’s lives and promote ecological restoration.

Given this year’s grim situation in flood control caused by El Nino and La Nina phenomena, Premier Li Keqiang in July called for efforts to improve urban underground pipeline networks and water conservancy projects, which require more government investment and relaxed market entry for social funds.

The Premier’s concern after his inspection of flood-hit areas was reflected at the year-end State Council meeting, which decided to repair stretches of the Yangtze River embankment that collapsed or were at risk during the flood seasons, rehabilitate medium and small rivers, reinforce small reservoirs, and establish systems for flood forecasting and early warning in rural areas.

The meeting also decided to construct underground drainage tunnels, storm water drainage, and flood-control facilities in flood-prone cities.