V. Ermolaev, The Living Water of Baikal. October 8, 1977
Original Source: Pravda, 8 October 1977, p. 3
Irkutsk- … G. I. Galazii, corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Sciences, … heads the Limnology Institute of the USSR Academy of Sciences’ Siberian Division. For 30 years this scientist has been studying Lake Baikal, on the shore of which the institute is located.
Eighty percent of the country’s fresh water and one-fifth of the world’s freshwater reserves are concentrated in this “glorious sea.” …
The protection of this cup of crystal-pure, amazingly transparent water, the deepest lake on the planet, is worth any expense. And the state is sparing none. V. Kalinichev, USSR Deputy Minister of Railroads and Chief of the BAM Board of Directors, cites an impressive fact. It had been planned to lay the rails of the Baikal-Amur Main Line right next to the lake shore. “Close proximity to the railroad will be dangerous for the lake,” scientists warned. They were heeded. The route now passes through the mountains, far from the shore. The main line will be lengthened by dozens of kilometers, and four additional headland tunnels will have to be dug. Otherwise, the “glorious sea” will be in danger …