Dongchuan district chief vows to investigate ‘milk river’ pollution

Kunming authorities vowed to launch an inquiry into water pollution after an environment official’s endorsement of a “milk river” came under fire.

“We acknowledge our faults. [The water pollution] was due to waste water discharge. We will address the problems and amend our conduct,” said Dongchuan district head Lu Ping, referring to a stream in his jurisdiction in Yunnan province.

Lu also acknowledged the stream was polluted by waste water discharged from mineral processing factories and promised to crack down on the enterprises responsible.

The water quality of the stream came to light after photographs were published online and it was dubbed “milk river” due to its white colour.

Lu’s apology on Wednesday followed contradictory claims made by Dongchuan environmental bureau chief Wang Jieyun last Tuesday.

Wang insisted the water in the stream was safe to drink and for irrigating crops.