Construction of a major reservoir began in China's Chongqing Municipality on May 20. The Zaodu Reservoir project, with an investment of more than 100 billion yuan (about $14.26 billion), is expected to benefit more than 3.4 million residents.

The reservoir is scheduled to be put into operation in October 2027, and the flood control capacity of local towns along the Qijiang River will be significantly improved upon its completion. It will increase the annual water supply by about 179 million cubic meters and the irrigation area in the region by more than 11,300 hectares.