BEIJING, Dec. 2 (Xinhua) -- Chinese vice premier Li Keqiang has called for efforts to build the South-to-North Water Diversion Project into a water-efficient and environment-friendly project.

    Li made the remarks at a meeting held by the State Council on Tuesday, saying the government should stick to policies regarding resource-conservation and environment-protection in the construction work.

    Li ordered relevant departments to intensify their efforts on pollution control and eco-environment protection in both the water source area and areas along the project in the course of construction.

    Li, who is also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, stressed that a good job on the resettlement of residents is essential.

    Addressing the meeting, vice premier Hui Liangyu ordered attaching great importance to quality and safety, strengthening pollution treatment and properly resettling local residents.

    Launched in 2002, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, consisting of eastern, middle and western routes, is designed to divert water from the water-rich south of the country, mainly the Yangtze River, to the dry north.

    By the end of October, the government has invested 34 billion yuan (or 4.98 billion U.S. dollars) in the eastern and middle routes, and part of the project has contributed to alleviate the water strain in Beijing.