Illegal Wells in Xinjiang Cause Tension, Dry up Land

The discovery of 46 illegal wells in Xinjiang has heightened tensions between Uyghur residents and Han Chinese migrants, RFA reported yesterday.

The wells, primarily used for cotton and vegetable farming, have severely depleted vital underground water reserves, disrupting the region’s ecological balance. Authorities in Korla initiated investigations after local complaints, revealing that the illegal drilling was mainly conducted by settlers from the state-run Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps (Bingtuan).

Despite the findings, legal accountability has been lax, with suspects released shortly after questioning, citing “stability” as a reason. The Bingtuan, a paramilitary organization, has been criticized for exacerbating ethnic tensions and marginalizing Uyghurs. Experts warn that the over-extraction of groundwater, intensified since the 1990s, threatens local ecosystems, including protective forests. Researchers indicate that the water table is dropping dramatically, emphasizing the urgent need for effective water management to prevent further ecological degradation.