(China Daily)
Updated: 2007-11-23 07:18

Resettling residents properly is the key issue in the plan to protect the old city of Beijing, says an editorial in Yanzhao Metropolis News. The following is an excerpt:

The municipal department in charge of urban planning in Beijing has released a five-year plan for protecting the city's sites that have historical and cultural values.

Besides the guidelines for urban construction, this plan includes stipulations about moving residents out of the old city of Beijing, and reducing the population from 1.8 million to 1.1 million by the year 2020. About 40,000 residents would be moved out of the old city of Beijing every year.

With so many ancient constructions, the old city of Beijing needs to be protected with great care. Reducing the population in the area is a good way to help that protection.

However, it is a complex task to move so many people. There have been cases where the resettlement of people from old cities have caused social disturbances. The Beijing authorities should try their best to see that this does not happen. Compensation must be paid to residents to help them settle in their new environment.

It is also necessary for the authorities to keep a close watch on the overall impact of the resettlement. The residents should be moved gradually and according to progress of the project.

Plans should also be drafted on how to specifically protect and maintain the old city after the population has been reduced there. After all, human activity in old cities, at a proper level, adds charm and vigor to them.

(China Daily 11/23/2007 page10)