Beijing will demolish 3.32 million square meters of illegal
constructions next year to "create a better environment for the
Olympic Games", according to the Beijing 2008 Environment
Construction Headquarters.
Extensions on people's homes and businesses, which have been
built without obtaining government permits, are the main targets,
particularly in the outskirts of downtown Beijing, within the fifth
ring road.
All the demolition work will be completed by the end of June
next year, the headquarters said.
Apart from tearing down buildings, the local government also
plans to clean up garbage dumps, repave roads in Beijing's suburbs
and plant more grassy areas.
Deputy Mayor Ji Lin stressed the demolition should "put people
first" and the relocation of local people must be well
prepared.
(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2006)