Henan province accounts for just one-seventieth of China's total water resources, yet it is responsible for supporting one-tenth of the nation's population. The region faces significant challenges including uneven temporal and spatial water distribution, fragmented river basin management, and a mismatch between water supply and demand. How can this central plain's water dilemma be resolved? The answer lies in the "Eight Horizontal and Six Vertical" modern water network initiative currently under construction.

The Qianping Reservoir along the Beiru River serves as a prime example, featuring a 349-kilometer irrigation canal network that traverses mountains and valleys. With an investment of 5.938 billion yuan, this project is expected to irrigate 508,000 mu of farmland and benefit 1.2 million residents. The digital twin platform for the South-to-North Water Diversion Project in Henan utilizes drone-based AI systems for real-time alerts on illegal encroachment, while intelligent pumping station sensors operate around the clock, transitioning inspection protocols from manual monitoring to data-driven oversight.

Focusing on the key priorities of network interconnection, infrastructure reinforcement, and supply chain strengthening, Henan has successfully included 42 major water conservancy projects in the national plan, ranking first nationwide with a total investment of 145.5 billion yuan. By 2035, the overall framework of the modern water network is projected to take shape. This water network not only reinforces the foundation for food security in the central plains but also ensures the sweet, reliable water supply for countless households.