World Tibet Network News Monday, June 8th, 1998

(Xinhua English Newswire; 06/05/98)

The Tibet Autonomous Region witnessed sound environmental conditions in 1997, despite pollution and ecological damage in some areas, according to an environmental bulletin issued by the Regional Environmental Protection Bureau today.

The indices of sulphur dioxide, and nitrogen and oxygen compounds in the air of Lhasa and Xigaze cities and Qamdo Town all meet the national air quality criteria.

The region suffered no acid rain last year.

The water quality of major rivers in Tibet was consistently good in 1997, with the indices of phosphorus and heavy metals in the water reaching the national criteria for surface water. In addition, the drinking water in major cities and towns was found to be up to standard.

The bulletin reveals that Tibet reclaimed 1,429 ha of farmland, planted trees on 6,667 ha and developed 343 ha of grassland last year. However, about 11.4 million ha of grassland, 17.2 percent of the region's total, had deteriorated by the end of last year.

The region now has 13 nature reserves, with a total area of 325,000 sq km.