China is embarking on an ambitious technological transformation of its water conservancy infrastructure, positioning advanced innovation as the cornerstone of modern reservoir management. The Ministry of Water Resources announced Thursday a comprehensive initiative to develop new quality productive forces throughout the nation’s water management sector.
The strategic plan centers on creating an all-weather intelligent monitoring system that integrates surveillance capabilities across multiple domains: sky, space, land, water, and engineering infrastructure. This sophisticated network will employ an array of cutting-edge technologies including satellite remote sensing, ground-penetrating radar, unmanned aerial vehicles, autonomous marine vessels, and subaquatic robotics.
Zhang Wenjie, a ministry official, emphasized that these technological advancements will significantly enhance hidden danger detection capabilities while advancing intelligent patrol operations. The integration of these systems represents a fundamental shift toward data-driven water management and disaster prevention.
The initiative builds on successful technological implementations demonstrated during recent flood seasons. During the 2025 autumn floods along the Hanjiang River, authorities effectively monitored the Danjiangkou Reservoir’s structural integrity in real-time using Global Navigation Satellite Systems and automated surveying robots. This technological support enabled precise, science-based reservoir regulation during critical high-water conditions.
According to Wang Bao’en, Deputy Head of the Ministry, current efforts are accelerating the development of next-generation infrastructure characterized by enhanced safety, ecological sustainability, and intelligent operation. The ministry will intensify research, development, and deployment of innovative technologies while selecting representative dams with strong foundational conditions for pilot projects.
This technological push aims to elevate reservoir management standards to unprecedented levels, establishing new benchmarks for modern water conservancy operations worldwide. The initiative represents China’s commitment to leveraging technological innovation for critical infrastructure management and environmental sustainability.