In a recent operation near the mouth of Tiger Rock, located on the eastern side of Shengli South Road in Zhifu District, workers from the Yancheng Urban Management Bureau's drainage department were seen wearing gas masks as they entered an underground river that was nearly two meters deep. A black car had been removed from the waterway, highlighting the challenges faced during such maintenance efforts.
As a key flood discharge channel in the urban area, this river plays a crucial role in managing water flow during the rainy season. In 2014, the Shanghai Urban Management Bureau's Drainage Department initiated a major dredging project targeting several critical waterways, including the Steel Pipe River, Tongshen River, Happiness 5 River, Xiaoqu River, Daeyang River (south section of West Avenue), Shaoshan River, and Tiger Rock River. The plan involved removing approximately 17,500 cubic meters of silt and maintaining about 80 cubic meters of the riverbed. Once completed, this project is expected to significantly enhance the river’s flood discharge capacity, improving urban resilience against heavy rainfall.
Dredging operations require strict safety protocols. At 9 a.m., when the reporter arrived at the mouth of the Tiger Rock River, a strong odor of mud filled the air. Two blowers were operating to ventilate the dark water. Workers in the river wore water shoes and gas masks, carefully transporting black sludge from a vehicle to the river’s edge.
Most urban rivers are dark and have been in use for over half a century, making their conditions complex and the work highly risky. Before any operation begins, forced ventilation using blowers is conducted for two hours. Gas detectors are then used by workers entering the river to check for toxic gases. Only after passing these tests can they proceed with the work. All personnel must wear gas masks and rotate shifts. One worker is always equipped with a walkie-talkie and gas detector, ensuring immediate response if gas levels become dangerous. “It's routine now,†said Lao Song, a worker. “We’ve been doing this for years, and it’s part of our daily experience.â€
Dredging through river channels can be physically demanding. Workers enter through inspection wells, where the height ranges from 1.7 meters at its highest point to less than 1 meter at its lowest. This means they often have to crouch or bend over for extended periods, leading to sweat dripping down their faces. At the site, emergency equipment such as oxygen tanks, stretchers, and rescue ropes are readily available to ensure quick response in case of emergencies.
This ongoing effort highlights the importance of maintaining urban water systems, not only for flood prevention but also for public health and safety. As cities grow, so does the need for efficient and safe infrastructure management. These dedicated workers play a vital role in keeping the city running smoothly, even in the most challenging conditions.
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