The newly-built greenway along Wanjia Lake is lined with trees. [Photo provided to en.whkfq.gov.cn]
March 22 marked the 30th World Water Day, and Wanjia Lake in Wuhan Economic & Technological Development Zone (WEDZ) was selected among the first group of Wuhan's beautiful lakes and rivers in 2022, according to a circular released jointly by the Wuhan ecological environment bureau and Wuhan bureau of water affairs.
Wanjia Lake, situated in the southeastern portion of Zhuankou area, occupies a total area of 1.4 square kilometers. According to a folk tale, it was formed after a dam burst in the Yangtze River in ancient times.
During the 1980s, the lake environment was adversely affected by the increasing population and pollution that ensued. Residents divided the lake into cells to feed fish, leaving half of the lake dry. Sewage and industrial effluents contaminated the lake water and gave off a strong stench.
The lake was reborn in October 2018, when the WEDZ government initiated a large-scale water governance campaign for lakes and rivers. After measures like sewage interception, dredging, and the cultivation of aquatic plants, the water quality of the lake increased to Class-IV in 2020.
In addition, the government also released a variety of fish and shellfish into the lake to reshape its ecosystem, and spent 160 million yuan ($25.09 million) building greenways, cultural plazas, rest stations and other public facilities for residents.
