Upstream — Downstream Interactions as Natural Constraints to Basin-Wide Planning for China’s River Huang

Abstract

This paper describes the intricate nature of the upstream-downstrem interrelations amongst the river basin problems of the River Huang. The basin is characterised by heavy silt production in the middle part—severely accelerated by far-reaching adherance to Mao’s strategy “Make grain the key link”—and flood control in the lower reaches, throughout history plagued by inundations and flood breaches. The steepness of the upper reaches make them the natural centre for hydropower potential and industry. The present land use of the loess plateau and fertile plain drained by the middle reaches, is characterised by integrated soil and water conservation, withdrawal of agriculture from hilltops, and silt traps in the valley bottoms to produce new fertile land. The overriding consideration in the lower reaches is flood control and control of sedimentation to stop the river bed from rising. This creates contradictions with other land uses, as exemplified from the Beijin flood detention area, not in use for that purpose during the past 30 years.