Environmental Protection Becomes the Issue in Railway Construction

Now more and more people travel to Tibet by train that enjoy the beautiful scenery on the way.Environmental protection becomes the issue in railway construction.As Lhasa-Shigatse railway inTibet is under construction, builders keep an eye on protectting local ecological environment from every aspect.

Known as the "extension line" of the Qinghai-Tibet Railway, the railway starts from Lhasa the regional capital, goes along theLhasa River and the Yarlung Zangbo River and arrives at southwest Tibet's Shigatse City, the second largest city there.

Due to the vulnerable ecological vegetation on the plateau and the Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon, the environmental protection was stressed even before the construction in 2010. A series of measures was taken.

"During the construction, we try our best to minimize the possible impact on ecological environment. We won't dig big holes or disturb river systems. Borrow pits are always chosen on barren hills or badlands, and the land reclamation and local planning are combined with the project as much as possible," said a person in charge.

To reduce soil erosion, the dumping site was set in low-lying land, and the construction of its drainage system is of a high standard.

To protect the land and vegetation, the turf is transplanted piece by piece, and after the construction of roadbed, the turf would be put back. To avoid affecting the migration of wildlife, elevated passageways are used in main areas to make way for animals.

In addition, sedimentation tanks are set for mixers and trucks. The wastewater was discharged into the sedimentation tank first,and after precipitation for three times, it would be recycled for dust suppression to achieve zero emissions.

This railway from Lhasa to Shigatse is said that it will be completed in 2014 and start running in 2015. Since the builders havefollowed the Policy which try to create a resource saving and environment friendly society, they have already planned a sustainable development for Tibet.