Illegal sand extraction, driven by huge profits, is rampant in the middle and lower reaches of the river. It poses a major threat to
flood prevention and shipping security, the report said.
The Yangtze River has been a prime source of sand for the construction industry. China lifted a ban on sand extraction from the river in
2004.
Vice minister Jiao Yongzhou urged local departments to take responsibility for stepping up preventive efforts. Earlier this month,
13 illegal dredging vessels were seized in a crackdown.
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