After the recent heavy rain, the drainage quality of Wuqi has become turbid and yellow, displaying a phenomenon of surging yellow flow. After an investigation by the Water Resources Bureau of the Taichung City Government, farmers didn't properly plan the agricultural land for drainage, sand settling, and other facilities, mainly because of the farming use on Mt. DaDu. Besides, it carries a large amount of sediment after heavy rain erosion due to the insufficient grip of various shallow-rooted plants in the area. The bureau calls on the public to engage in farming or plowing activities and to do an excellent job in soil and water conservation.

According to the Water Resources Bureau, farmers are advised to apply for soil and water conservation documents and engage excavators to organize abandoned farmland, construct agricultural roads, and build platforms during the hillside construction stage. Also, they can only carry out the construction after the Water Resources Bureau approval to avoid punishment for violating the provisions of the Soil and Water Conservation Act. If it is continuous farming or plowing up behavior, people should also take soil and water conservation measures to prevent soil erosion in agricultural land. If causing mud on adjacent roads, endangers the safety of pedestrians, or cause disasters, they may involve criminal responsibility for more than six months but less than five years. The bureau emphasizes the need for farmers to exercise increased attention in these matters.

The Water Resources Bureau further said that the city government continues to carry out education and publicity activities for soil and water conservation in communities and schools at all levels every year to strengthen the public's awareness of soil and water conservation and disasters on hillsides. Incorporate farmland water and soil conservation treatment into teaching materials, and publicize the establishment of relevant farmland sand setting facilities and the field ridges addition and buffer green belts. Additionally, in collaboration with the "Taichung City Government Water and Soil Conservation Service Team," free consultations and on-site counseling services are being provided to the public.

The Water Resources Bureau indicated that the city government had established a standard operating procedure SOP in the face of violations on hillsides. The bureau also supplemented satellite image monitoring, regular inspections by inspectors, and the assistance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to check and stop violations quickly on hillsides. Moreover, it cooperates actively with the Taichung District Prosecutors Office to handle strictly illegal occupation and soil erosion cases. The Water Resources Bureau reminds the public not to take chances. (6/29 * 16) * Water Resources Bureau

Contact person: Miss Lai, Water Resources Bureau, Taichung City Government
Contact number: 04-22289111 ext. 53504