A draft law on protecting and making full use of the country's limited waterway resources was passed on Wednesday at a regular executive conference of China's Cabinet.

The nation's waterways are of great importance to regional development from the eastern to the western region, from coastal areas to the inland, and along major rivers and land transportation lines, according to the conference of the State Council.

The draft has made clear stipulations on the planning, construction, protection and maintenance of waterways.

After further revision, the draft will be submitted to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, China's top legislature, for review.

On May 24, 2012, the Legislative Affairs Office of the State Council solicited public opinion on the waterways draft law in a bid to better protect waterways and ensure navigation safety.

Fixing fishing gears and farming fish or aquatic plants in waterways are banned by the draft law, and it also rules that no one can pour gravel, soil or any other waste into waterways or their surrounding areas.

Excavating sand or soil in or near waterways is allowed but should be done without damaging navigation facilities. If damage occurs, those responsible will be fined 100,000 yuan ($16,100) to 300,000 yuan, according to the draft law.

Waterway exploitation should first consider flood control functions and then the needs of water supply, power generation and fishing, it said.

- An Baijie