Massive water diversion project put on fast track

Estimated 330,000 people marked for relocation by 2011

ZHENGZHOU: Authorities are accelerating the planned relocation of a projected 330,000 people as the colossal South-to-North Water Diversion (SNWD) project goes into high gear next year, the project's top officer said.

Zhang Jiyao, chief of the SNWD project office under the State Council, the country's Cabinet, on Monday urged local authorities to complete all migrant displacement by the end of 2011 - two years ahead of the original deadline. Almost half the people will reportedly be relocated next year.