The Wurigui Trench Small Watershed Comprehensive Management Project in Hanggin Banner, a key national water and soil conservation initiative, is making significant progress toward its late-July completion deadline. 

Crews work hard at the project site. [Photo/ Wechat account of Nuan News]

Located in Duguitala town, the project has received a total investment of 15 million yuan ($2.09 million) and incorporates multiple environmental protection measures, including sand barrier installation, shrubbery planting, closed forest cultivation, and strategic replanting efforts.

The project will expand the comprehensive soil erosion control area by 3,000 hectares, raising the soil erosion control rate from 3.35 percent to 94.18 percent and boosting forest and grass coverage from 39.58 percent to 68.08 percent. 

Shrubs are planted in sand-fixing grids. [Photo/ Wechat account of Nuan News]

The enhanced watershed is expected to deliver substantial environmental benefits, including an annual water storage capacity of 286,000 cubic meters, and save 94,000 metric tons of soil. These improvements will significantly strengthen the region's capacity for runoff control and natural disaster prevention.

"In addition to significant environmental benefits, the project will also generate strong social benefits by providing jobs for local residents and boosting the rural economy," said Chen Yan, deputy director of the Hanggin Banner water conservancy bureau.