The proposed system of tunnels stretching 300 km (190 miles), and costing more than the $25 billion Three Gorges Dam hydroelectric mega-project, has the potential to be one of modern China’s most technically challenging feats. The project, which might be built in 2010, is reported backed by President Hu Jintao, but Water Resources Minister Wang Shucheng voiced deep reservations about the huge undertaking.

“In terms of today’s scheme to develop the west, I will say three things: it is unnecessary, not feasible and unscientific,” said Wang, giving what he called his personal “academic” opinion to an audience of scholars at the University of Hong Kong. … “With regard to this Western water transfer route, of all the experts that I know, not one endorses this plan,” he added. … Read the full story.