TAIPEI (TVBS News) — New Taipei (新北市), Taiwan's most populous municipality, celebrated Nanzigou river's (湳仔溝) dramatic environmental transformation from a severely polluted waterway to thriving ecological corridor on Wednesday (Oct. 9). The municipal Water Resources Department (水利局) hosted a commemorative event showcasing a comprehensive documentary chronicling the river's remarkable evolution from a malodorous, degraded waterway to a picturesque green corridor featuring advanced flood prevention capabilities and restored ecological functions.
Mayor Hou Yu-ih (侯友宜) highlighted the river's remarkable success in attracting diverse wildlife species, including kingfishers, magpies, mullets, and spot-billed ducks to the restored habitat. He emphasized that Nanzigou exemplifies environmental sustainability in comprehensive water environment management practices. The revitalized river now hosts over 304 documented species, powerfully underscoring the transformative impact of systematic river regeneration and establishing itself as a model urban ecological corridor for other municipalities.
Students actively involved in comprehensive ecological surveys observed that water purified through advanced gravel filtration systems flows into Nanzigou, making the river surface appear significantly cleaner and healthier. This tangible improvement demonstrates the remarkable effectiveness of environmental education initiatives in engaging local communities. Director Song De-ren (宋德仁) emphasized the comprehensive rehabilitation measures implemented, including sophisticated gravel filtration, sewage interception, and strategic weir removal to ensure continuous, healthy water flow throughout the entire river system.
The Water Resources Department plans to continue comprehensive watershed management efforts designed to systematically enhance water quality and ecological diversity throughout the region. These ambitious ongoing initiatives specifically aim to allow local residents and future generations to enjoy the substantial long-term environmental benefits of a beautiful, ecologically sustainable river system that serves as a model for urban waterway restoration. ◼
