Latest News:  
Beijing   Light to moderate rain/Light rain    13 / 8 ℃  City Forecast

English>>China Society

Work to move 3.5m tombs presses ahead

(China Daily)

11:01, November 22, 2012

A woman stands at a farmland dotted with tombs in Shangshui county, Zhoukou of Central China's Henan province, on July 14. Zhoukou plans to relocate 3.5 million rural tombs to make space for farmland. [Photo/China Daily]

Authorities in Henan deny relocation halted

A controversial project to move 3.5 million ancestral tombs in Central China will continue, authorities said on Wednesday, dismissing reports that the work has been halted.

The plan by the city government in Zhoukou, Henan province, to relocate the rural tombs to new cemeteries, to make space for farmland, triggered strong protests from residents.

On Wednesday, The Beijing News quoted an unnamed publicity official as saying the city has suspended its campaign. However, when contacted by China Daily, city spokeswoman Li Xianghong said the report is not true.

"The campaign is still being carried out steadily without any change," Li said.

Yue Wenhai, mayor of Zhoukou, told a TV station the city is promoting the "reform of funerals and interment" to protect farmland. He said tombs scattered throughout the countryside hamper the use of large agricultural machinery, and called for understanding from residents.

More than 2.34 million - nearly 70 percent - of the tombs have been relocated, Yue told a news conference on Nov 6, when it was disclosed that the city had received 3 million yuan ($481,000) from the provincial government.

Families are being paid 200 yuan for each tomb that is relocated. However, many villagers are reluctant, believing the move is disrespectful to the dead.

In Taikang county, Lou Shifeng said officials threatened to demolish his family tombs with a bulldozer last week after he refused to relocate them. Almost every resident in his village opposed the campaign, but they had to obey the government's order or the tombs would be destroyed, he said on Tuesday.

"It's against tradition," he said. "I don't understand why we have to do this."

【1】 【2】


We Recommend:

Cosmetic surgeries to imitate Michael Jackson

Digital life in Beijing's subway

Girl receive banknote dress from sugar daddy

Siberian tiger cubs born in Harbin

Wild trip! Amazing landscapes of Africa 

High speed goes high altitude

Vampire squid in deep sea

Dense fog shrouds SW China's Chongqing

Sexy car models at Auto Exhibition

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:马茜、梁军)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. China's stealth fighter concept model

  2. PLA Macao Garrison finishes 13th rotation

  3. Unforgettable moments in Nov. (III)

  4. Flight test of unmanned aircrafts conducted

  5. First inter-blood-type liver transplant in China

  6. Harbin Autumn Automobile Exhibition

  7. Embroider best wishes on insoles in Shanxi

  8. China's rich people will reach to 280 million

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Commentary: Hot money needs cooling
  2. Smart solutions for better city, better life
  3. China remains an 'engine' in global economy
  4. M&A of listed companies gaining steam
  5. Is 'culture' inferior to 'commercialization'?
  6. Chinese liquor makers "sober up" over bans
  7. Strength of Chinese culture lies in understanding
  8. Securing China's e-commerce growth
  9. Hammered ore prices threaten Chinese iron miners
  10. CNN Beijing chief: China's challenges, opportunities

What’s happening in China

Landmark building should respect the public's feeling

  1. Herders, sheep flock move to winter pasture
  2. First inter-blood-type liver transplant in China
  3. HIV patient to sue hospital over cancer op refusal
  4. Test in intelligent vehicle for food detection
  5. Smart card, dumb refund rules