A work group led by Shu Qing, vice-governor of Henan province, investigated Nanyang’s flood prevention efforts and the implementation of the "river chief" system on July 7.

At the end of 2016, the general offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council released a document calling for the appointment of local government heads as river chiefs to clean up and protect water resources across the country.

Accompanied by Liu Qingfang, deputy mayor of Nanyang, Shu inspected the Yahekou Reservoir and the inverted siphon of the Bai River to ascertain the current status of the water protection initiative before hearing the progress of the appointed river chief's work at a symposium.

Shu reminded local authorities of the seriousness of flood prevention, urging them to take initiative in monitoring the water environment for the possibility of flooding. Officials were required to hold clear-cut responsibility for their work and strengthen their coordination.

In order to ensure the full implementation of the river chief system, governments at all levels are supposed to raise awareness, shoulder responsibilities and forge ahead in the fight against floods, added Shu.

Edited by Zachary Dye