Pollution control is the key to the success of China's gigantic south-to-north water diversion project, Chinese Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan has said.

Work on the water diversion project officially began at the end of 2002, consisting of three south-to-north canals with each running about 1,300 kilometers in eastern, central and western parts of the country.

After making an inspection tour of the eastern section, Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan told a meeting Tuesday that efforts to reduce pollution should be stepped up.

He demanded construction on already approved sewage treatment plants alongside the eastern section be started before the end of this year.

Enterprises that destroy resources, pollute or fail to meet safe production requirements should be closed on a legal basis, while new high-pollution projects should be staunchly banned, he said.

Zeng acknowledged the water diversion project is of great significance in alleviating water shortage, improving the ecological environment in north China and promoting the coordinated development of the regional economy.