Chinese activist asks Internet users: What does your river look like?

[The Straight Story]

Deng Fei, a renowned Chinese journalist and social activist, is conducting an interesting survey over Sina Weibo, China’s equivalent of Twitter. He’s asked a simple question: “What is the river like in your hometown? While celebrating Chinese New Year at home, please take a photo of your river and upload it to Weibo for us to see.” This clearly touched a nerve, as it has resulted in hundreds of photos of extremely dirty-looking rivers being sent in from all over the country.

Some of those writing in blame factories for polluting their rivers; others point to garbage dumped by local residents. What’s certain is that the results aren't pretty.

The issue of polluted waters has been gaining increasing amounts of attention online as of late. Recently, an entrepreneur in Zhejiang took to Weibo to offer a 200,000 yuan (about 24,000 euro) reward to the local environmental protection bureau chief – but only if he agrees to swim in a polluted river for 20 minutes. The photos he posted of this river show it overflowing with garbage.

Last year, thousands of people protested against local government in the coastal city of Qidong over concern that a planned industrial waste pipeline would result in the sea’s pollution. The project ended up being scrapped.
Contributors

Li Yan
“People who live near the canal cannot open their windows because of the stink”

http://observers.france24.com/content/20130219-chinese-activist-internet-river-photos

[Left Coast2020]

1. I hope this is not near Dalian

At least to me, it seemed to be a much cleaner city than Shenyang or Jinju. At first glance from this pic, I would say this is Beijing--judging from the hazy air in background. But IMO, Dalian seemed to be a city with its environemental act "somewhat" together. And it is on coast. Air is safe to breath.