Zhejiang Qiantang River Basin Small Town Environment Project, a project launched to improve the ecological environment in the Qiantang River Basin, the largest river in Zhejiang, has won a sustainable development award from the World Bank.

This is first time for the province to receive the top award, and only 15 projects worldwide have received the honor this year.

The Qiantang River project, launched in 2011 with a total investment of 1.57 billion yuan ($236 million), is designed to improve the ecological environment of the basin by supporting water supply and distribution, wastewater collection and solid waste collection systems in selected cities, districts and towns.

The project demonstrates how to deliver environmental services and promote sustainable development in small towns, according to the World Bank.

To date, two water supply plants, four wastewater treatment plants, and one sanitary landfill have been completed, bringing benefits to over 1 million local residents.

An aerial view of Qiantang River, the largest river in East China's Zhejiang Province. [Photo/zj.zjol.com.cn]