Taking urban refinement as an opportunity, in recent years, Hefei has elevated the management and protection of rivers and lakes from "pollution control to meet standards" to "happiness empowerment," exploring a new path of water ecological governance that embodies "a people's city serving the people." 

On a summer morning, strolling along the Paihe River in Feixi Binhe Park, joggers, parents with children, and photographers are a common sight. Their silhouettes reflect on the river’s surface, forming vibrant scenes of "harmony between humans and water." Not far away, over 30 workers, wearing sun hats, carefully plant flowers and trees into the soil. The person in charge mentioned they are putting the finishing touches on a soon-to-be-delivered Happy Rivers and Lakes project...  

These glimpses capture the essence of "Happy Rivers and Lakes, Benefiting the People." In Hefei, through meticulous management, the "capillaries" of rivers and lakes are being quietly revitalized.

Today, a profound transformation is underway, ushering river and lake management into a new era of "digital governance." 

At the heart of this shift is the robust development of an intelligent water management platform. This platform deeply integrates automated water quality monitoring stations, a video surveillance network covering key river sections, and high-frequency drone patrol aerial data, establishing an all-encompassing "sky-ground-water" monitoring and sensing system. It enables real-time dynamic data collection and transmission for indicators such as water quality, water levels, flow rates, and aquatic ecosystems. By conducting in-depth mining and analysis of the monitored data, it accurately tracks changes in river and lake ecological conditions, providing a scientific basis for refined management decision-making. This drives water resource allocation toward unprecedented precision and scientific rigor.

Empowered by smart monitoring and management, the goals of clear water, green banks, and scenic beauty in river and lake control are being realized. The shift from "water management" to "smart water management" offers Hefei's digital governance experience in river and lake conservation.  

Balancing ecological restoration with cultural enrichment, the Paihe River National Happy Rivers and Lakes Project is steadily advancing with a total investment of 94 million yuan. Aimed at achieving "clear waters teeming with fish, lush scenic banks, and harmony between people and water," the project is deeply integrated with residents' needs. Slated for completion and acceptance by the end of September this year, it strives to create an ecological space where humans and water coexist in harmony.

Previously, Bianxiao River and Erliban River have been successfully developed into provincial-level "Happy Rivers and Lakes," with Tanchong River and Xiaonan River also included in the initiative. Beyond dredging waterways and restoring ecosystems, these projects emphasize integrating humanistic care—laying permeable footpaths along the banks, adding waterfront platforms, and embedding water-themed sculptures and historical walls showcasing water management heritage into the riparian spaces. The original aspiration of harnessing water resources for the people's benefit remains steadfast.  

"The ultimate goal of meticulous river and lake management is the people's sense of happiness," said an official from the Hefei Water Affairs Bureau, pointing to the planning map of the Paihe River shoreline.

Balancing grand vision with meticulous execution, Hefei is deepening the integration of "water management" and "city building." Moving forward, the city will continue to apply a "needlework" approach, synchronizing urban development with the rhythm of its waterways, and tirelessly painting scenes of happiness where "greenery greets residents at their windows, and waterside access lies just steps away."

Source: anhuinews.com