Hubei members of the National Congress are to submit a motion calling for the central government to raise the guaranteed water level between Yichang and Chenglingji in a bid to facilitate better utilisation of the river for industries in the region. At the moment, the guaranteed water level in this section is 3 metres, compared with 4.5 metres upstream of this section and 4.5 metres likely to be achieved downstream by the end of 2010.

One-third of the navigable Yangtze, or 1,060km, runs through Hubei province. Industries situated along the river contribute two-thirds of the province’s GDP, according to the motion.

The Wuhan-based Yangtze River Administration, representing the central government, is responsible for maintaining a certain water level at different sections of the river, otherwise known as the guaranteed water level.