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The diversion of water for the Beijing Olympics threatens the livelihoods of millions of people, a senior Chinese government official has said.

The official, An Qiyuan, from Shaanxi province, told the UK's Financial Times newspaper that people in north-western provinces should be compensated.

He warned of social upheaval and environmental harm because of the strain put on local water supplies.

China is building a huge network to divert water to the north.

The project will divert water from rivers in the south via tunnels, dams and canals to cities in the north where consumption is at an all-time high.  - BBC News