78,000 tonnes of garbage collected from Three Gorges Dam

More than 68,000 workers and 21,000 boats were used to collect the garbage, Xinhua reported.

The surface area of the water in the dam has increased after the water-level was raised to its maximum level of 175 meters in October. It also increased garbage collectors' workload, with about 60 percent more garbage appearing. The cleanup operation helped ensure the water quality of the dam and its navigability.

The water-level was raiesed so it can carry out its full flood-control, power-generation, navigational and water-supply roles, said Wang Yuankai, Chongqing municipal work administrator.