Altash Water Conservancy Project

The Aritash Water Conservancy Project^[2] (Chinese: 阿尔塔什水利枢纽工程),^[3] also called as Aritash Hydro-junction dam,^[4] is the largest water conservancy project in Xinjiang.^[5] The project is located in the upper reaches of the Yarkant River and deep in the Kunlun Mountains.^[6] It is called as "Xinjiang Three Gorges Dam"^[7] by some Chinese experts.^[8]

Aritash Water Conservancy Project 阿尔塔什水利枢纽工程
Country	China
Location	Yarkant River Basin, southern Xinjiang
Purpose	Power, flood control
Construction began	2006
Opening date	October 10, 2011
Construction cost	¥10.986 billion[1]

History

In 2006, the Aritash Water Conservancy Project started the preliminary work.^[9] On October 10, 2011, it officially started construction. ^[10]

On November 19, 2019, the dam of the project was lowered to store water.^[11] On May 29, 2020, the main dam of the project was completed.^[12]

Background

The Yarkand River has been playing a crucial role in agriculture and development in Tashkurgan, Xinjiang. However, at the same time, the river brings floods to the town, severely damaging the crops, roads, and infrastructure. The Altash Water conservancy project is designed to control the upper reaches of the Yarkant River, therefore, solving the problems faced by local residents such as the destruction of crops and facilities. In addition, it will improve the ecological environment in the area surrounding the Yarkant River and support a more sustainable condition for economic and social development. ^[13]