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BEIJING, Nov. 18-- Chinese Premier Li Keqiang on Monday called for more efforts to push the south-to-north water diversion project and other major water conservancy projects. Li, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks while presiding over a work meeting on follow-up efforts in the south-to-north water diversion project. Since its completion, the first phase of the eastern and middle routes of the project has played an important role in supporting water use in areas along the routes, benefiting over 100 million people, Li noted. However, water shortages and the uneven distribution of water across regions remain key constraints to economic and social development, he said, adding that water shortages are especially severe in the country's northern and northwestern regions. Li urged authorities to plan and push the water diversion project with a historical perspective and a holistic view, which would help counter downward pressure on the economy, promote effective investment, stabilize growth and create jobs. Officials should improve implementation plans according to the overall planning of the project and push the follow-up construction of the eastern and middle routes at an appropriate time, Li said. Efforts should be made to conserve water and ensure project quality, Li said, adding that the comparison and selection of plans for the western route of the project should be carried out. | 
