The Three Gorges Dam: A Silent Giant, an Unwavering "Wonder of the World"

The Three Gorges Dam: A Silent Giant, an Unwavering "Wonder of the World"The Three Gorges Dam, a "giant" standing tall on the Yangtze River, carries countless glories and halos, but also sparks countless controversies and doubts. It has brought numerous benefits to the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, but has also been criticized by Western media and "experts

The Three Gorges Dam: A Silent Giant, an Unwavering "Wonder of the World"

The Three Gorges Dam, a "giant" standing tall on the Yangtze River, carries countless glories and halos, but also sparks countless controversies and doubts. It has brought numerous benefits to the upper and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, but has also been criticized by Western media and "experts." They claim that the dam poses safety risks and its lifespan is nearing its end. Is the Three Gorges Dam really as vulnerable as they claim? Let's unravel the mysteries surrounding the Three Gorges Dam and delve into the matter.

The Three Gorges Dam: A Grand Project Carrying Dreams and Hope

The name "Three Gorges Dam" has been appearing frequently in people's field of vision in recent years. Some call it a "world wonder," while others view it as a "ticking time bomb." In fact, the Three Gorges Dam is a colossal project that caused a global sensation upon its inception.

As early as 1919, Dr. Sun Yat-sen proposed the idea of building a dam on the Yangtze River. At that time, the Yangtze River was prone to major floods, posing a significant threat to people's lives and property. However, due to limitations in technology and funding at the time, the plan was shelved.

After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the Three Gorges Project was brought back to the table. In 1953, the Three Gorges Engineering Construction Committee was officially established. To find the most suitable location, experts spent several years conducting comprehensive surveys of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, conducting in-depth research on geological conditions and hydrological data. Ultimately, their focus settled on the Three Gorges region. The Three Gorges area boasts excellent geological conditions, with hard rock formations capable of bearing the weight of the dam.

After the site was chosen, the construction work adhered to the principle of striving for excellence, with every step undergoing lengthy discussions and evaluations. The core of the Three Gorges Dam the concrete was meticulously blended according to strict proportions. Raw materials were meticulously selected, and the construction techniques were a proprietary formula, all for the purpose of creating a truly "iron waist."

The "iron waist" doesn't refer to the dam being built of iron, but rather describes its unbreakable nature, capable of withstanding floods that occur once in a century, protecting the lives and property of billions of people downstream, and standing tall forever.

However, all beginnings are challenging. Even with thorough preparations, the construction process of the Three Gorges Project was not smooth. As the largest and most challenging water conservancy project in the world at the time, countless engineers and workers labored tirelessly on the construction site day and night. To overcome the myriad difficulties, they embodied the spirit of "Yugong Moves the Mountain," ultimately starting construction in 1994.

Following that, the Three Gorges Project embarked on a series of construction projects including relocation of residents, power supply systems, water supply systems, and communication infrastructure, with every step captivating the attention of the nation.

In October 2008, the Three Gorges Dam was completed, prompting nationwide celebrations. This grand project, embodying the dreams and dedication of countless people, was finally finished.

Unceasing Doubts: The "Safety Crisis" of the Three Gorges Dam

However, this grand project, a beacon of human wisdom and sweat, has been accompanied by various controversies since its inception, particularly doubts regarding its safety, which have never ceased.

Those harboring dissatisfaction with China's development have seized opportunities to smear the Three Gorges Dam. Some so-called "experts and scholars" have wielded magnifying glasses to find problems, even resorting to "high-tech" methods such as satellite imagery and data analysis, attempting to prove that the Three Gorges Dam exhibits deformation, leaks, and a limited lifespan, sowing seeds of panic.

Wang Weiluo, a "patriotic scholar" residing overseas, has been actively disseminating negative views about the Three Gorges Dam. At one point he claimed the dam was deformed, then he said it was leaking, and recently some "experts" have jumped in to say that the lifespan of the Three Gorges Dam is precarious, presenting so-called "evidence," showing satellite images, and analyzing with a "logical" approach, making it sound like the truth.

This has led to many people following suit. Some say the dam's location is problematic, with frequent earthquakes nearby; others say the dam's design lifespan is only 50 years, and nearly half of that time has already passed, so will it be able to withstand the next few years?

They exploit the opportunity to smear China, attempting to negate the value of the Three Gorges Dam. However, facts speak louder than words.

The Three Gorges Dam: A "Chinese Engineering" Project That Has Withstood the Test of Time

From the outset, the design of the Three Gorges Dam took into account various factors. Its construction utilized world-leading roller compacted concrete gravity dam design. This design is robust and durable, with exceptional disaster resistance. The materials used are also the most advanced available.

More importantly, China possesses a powerful engineering team, capable of conducting regular monitoring and maintenance of the dam. Monitoring encompasses aspects such as the dam body, reservoir area, and water discharge, with detailed data records for each indicator, ensuring long-term safe operation. It is impossible for the dam to collapse out of the blue.

Anyone with even a basic understanding of technology knows that satellite images can be photoshopped. Moreover, satellite images only reflect external changes in objects, and cannot accurately determine whether internal structures have undergone changes.

The Three Gorges Dam has been operational for over a decade, with all indicators functioning normally. It has not only effectively controlled floods but also provided the country with a vast amount of energy, driving the development of the Yangtze River Economic Belt. These benefits are undeniable.

Regarding the lifespan of the dam, the Three Gorges Dam's design lifespan is 100 years, a conclusion reached after countless scientific assessments and experiments. Furthermore, with technological advancements, more advanced technologies will be applied in the future to maintain and modify the Three Gorges Dam as a whole, further enhancing its safety and operational efficiency, extending its lifespan.

The Truth Is One: Intentional "Smearing" and "Doubts"

Ultimately, those who question the Three Gorges Dam are either lacking in understanding of Chinese engineering or have ulterior motives, deliberately spreading rumors to create a sense of panic.

They aim to tarnish China's image by questioning the Three Gorges Dam, suppressing China's development, and hindering its rise on the international stage.

The Three Gorges Dam: A Symbol of Chinese Strength, a Witness to Progress of the Era

The Three Gorges Dam, like a "silent giant," stands tall on the Yangtze River, witnessing the development and changes of the era. Its significance extends far beyond merely being a dam.

The construction of the Three Gorges Dam not only showcases China's powerful technological strength and engineering capabilities, but also embodies the pioneering spirit of the Chinese people, their courage to climb to the peak.

In the future, we will continue to strengthen the monitoring and maintenance of the Three Gorges Dam, continuously improving its safety and efficiency, allowing this "engineering marvel of the world" to continue benefiting the Chinese people and making greater contributions to social progress.

Faced with various challenges, what we need to do is trust the country, trust science, trust data, and trust the strength of Chinese engineering. The Three Gorges Dam, a masterpiece of Chinese engineering, will continue to stand tall, contributing to the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation!

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