All the heavy rainfall that Beijing has experienced recently has taken its toll on the city. Major roadways were shut down, subways were canceled and areas were effectively shut down – all because of heavy rains and major flooding.
In an effort to address the capital’s faulty drainage system, officials have announced plans to implement more flood control into Beijing’s urban planning by creating 73 new sites around the city that will collect excess rain water, Beijing Morning Post reports.
These areas will function as parks during the majority of the year but will be used to gather water during the flood season. It is estimated that they will be able to accumulate roughly 10 million cubic meters of water.
The aim is to reduce flooding downtown, especially on major roadways. They will also help lessen flooding in the southern areas of the third and fourth ring roads, which often experience severe flooding.
According to Beijing’s urban planning commission, a total of 273 canals will exist in the capital to drain water and prevent flooding. The city also plans to build five reservoirs in the mountainous areas, in addition to the 88 that have already been built.
A “sponge city” plan is also being drafted, as the capital plans to not only ease the city’s flooding but to also reuse rainwater to use during water shortages.
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