Hydraulic worker guards populus euphratica forests in Xinjiang

Caidengba (1st R) analyses the trend of the river channel with his colleagues at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.
The water volume of the Tarim River has exceeded the alert level continuously during the flood season in these days. Local water conservancy department on Monday launched the second phase of the 25th water diversion into the lower reaches of the river. “It’s been a very busy time”, said Caidengba.
The Wusiman management station is located deep in the forests of populus euphratica, far from the surrounding towns, but Caidengba has never complained about the tough conditions. “When I first joined the work, the post I stayed was only a small house deep in the forests. Without electricity and signal, I read books and looked at the stars in my spare time every day. There even could be no passerby for several days.” The tough environment discouraged many of his colleagues who finally chose to leave, but Caidengba has decided to stick to the post. “I was born by Tarim River, and the river raised me.” With tenacity and enthusiasm, Caidengba devoted himself in water conservancy for years, protecting the river and the populus euphratica forests here.
“Once I saw a dying populus euphratica along the Tarim River, but after two years I was happy to find that the tree drew out green buds.” Looking at the populus euphratica forests by the river, Caidengba said, “Watching the barren Gobi gradually green up is the best reward for us.” (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (L) conducts electrical equipments inspection at the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (C) introduces water laws and regulations to a villager with his colleague in Yuli section of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

This photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows the populus euphratica forest in Yuli section of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (R) checks and maintains tools in the warehouse with his colleague at the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba (R) works at the gate chamber of the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba loads patrolling equipment into a car at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba checks the growth of vegetables in a garden at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. As the management station is far from surrounding towns, the staff grow vegetables and fruits in the free land of the station in their spare time. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba (C) carries living necessities they purchased at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Staff members purchase daily supplies every 10 days or so due to the distance to the surrounding towns. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (R) and his colleague patrol the gate chamber of the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (L) patrols the river channel with his colleague in Yuli section of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Staff members play table tennis after work at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (C) checks water gates devices at the remote control room with his colleagues at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (L) patrols a river channel with his colleague in Yuli section of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba takes life jackets in the warehouse at the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

This photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows Caidengba by the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba checks backup power supply at the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba patrols a water gate on the main stream of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba (front) patrols with his colleague at the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba (1st R) analyses the trend of the river channel with his colleagues at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (L) conducts electrical equipments inspection at the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (C) introduces water laws and regulations to a villager with his colleague in Yuli section of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

This photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows the populus euphratica forest in Yuli section of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (R) checks and maintains tools in the warehouse with his colleague at the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba (R) works at the gate chamber of the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba loads patrolling equipment into a car at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba checks the growth of vegetables in a garden at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. As the management station is far from surrounding towns, the staff grow vegetables and fruits in the free land of the station in their spare time. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba (C) carries living necessities they purchased at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Staff members purchase daily supplies every 10 days or so due to the distance to the surrounding towns. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

An aerial drone photo taken on Aug. 13, 2024 shows the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (R) and his colleague patrol the gate chamber of the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (L) patrols the river channel with his colleague in Yuli section of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Staff members play table tennis after work at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (C) checks water gates devices at the remote control room with his colleagues at the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.
(Xinhua/Ding Lei)

Caidengba (L) patrols a river channel with his colleague in Yuli section of Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, on Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Caidengba takes life jackets in the warehouse at the Wusiman water diversion hub on the main stream of the Tarim River in Yuli County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Aug. 13, 2024. Caidengba of Mongolian ethnic group, 35, is the deputy head of the Wusiman management station of the administration of the Tarim River basin in Xinjiang. The station is the first “pass” of the main stream of Tarim River, which plays an important role in the downstream water replenishment. Caidengba has been working here for 15 years, guarding the river and the populus euphratica forests in the lower reaches.(Xinhua/Chen Shuo)