The Yellow River Upper and Middle Reaches Administration Bureau recently verified and approved the sand interception and water exchange pilot project in the city of Ordos, setting a precedent for water rights exchange nationwide.

"Sand interception and water exchange" is a novel ecological compensation method for water resources allocation. Through this project, Ordos city has received 28 million cubic meters of water rights.

This initiative effectively intercepts sediment in the Yellow River through sand interception dams, reducing river siltation, enhancing flood and ice control capabilities in the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River, improving the regional ecological environment, and promoting the efficient use of water resources.

It also helps alleviate the contradiction between water supply and demand, while facilitating regional economic development.

The Ordos project commenced construction in 2020 and was completed in November 2023.

With a total investment of 615 million yuan ($84.25 million), the project involved the construction of 151 sand interception dams, a flood diversion and sediment retention project, as well as a water and soil conservation monitoring and early warning system.