Since the first Three Gorges generator started operations in 2003 the water level in the reservoir has been rising, and with it China’s ability to increase its hydroelectric capacity. From the banks up stream thousands of tons of garbage are constantly carried down by water into the reservoir. Such a huge amount of waste threatens to jam the miter gate of the dam, possibly damaging the propellers and huls of passing boats, and it is a blight on the scenery and the water quality of the area. These serious challenges, though expected by environmentalists for years, have not been met with sufficient countermeasures from the government.

In Don’t Cry, Three Gorges (2010) director Chen Fu documented the work and life of Liu Gujun, captain of Wanzhou River Cleaning Unit. In
2003, Liu Gujun stopped his fishing and transportation business, used his own savings and ships and started a river cleaning team, organizing fellow fishermen to collect floating garbage that covered some 10 miles of waters in the Yangtze River near Chongqing. What came out of a courageous attempt to save the mother river has turned into a perpetual defensive battle.

Today the river cleaning unit has been taken over by the local government, and Liu keeps working with his fellow fishermen to keep the reservoir clean for a very minimal wage. The local garbage treatment facility has yet to be substantially expanded to keep up with the tons of garbage the unit keeps collecting everyday.

Produced by Chen Fu, Shen Shiping

Edited by Sun Yunfan

Credits: David Barreda, Laura Chang, Michael Zhao

Originally published on April 26, 2011

3 Responses to “Don’t Cry, Three Gorges 三峡别哭”

1. michaelz Says:
   May 4th, 2012 at 12:36 pm

   You could find our podcasts on iTunes. There’s also a button on the left of the homepage sidebar.

2. LUO, Huaisheng Says:
   May 3rd, 2012 at 11:25 pm

   pls. advise how to download it as network in too slow. thanks, Huaisheng

3. Peter Salzer Says:
   December 5th, 2011 at 12:21 pm

   Regarding clogging of the miter gates, I asked this question when visting the buidling site in 2001 and also received the answer that this was under control. I noted not just unsighyly garbage but also natural debris from trees and shrubs. Was on a cruise from Wuhan to Chungking and saw the magnificent “mother river” just before the water level was raised.

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