Great concern has been shown over the capital's protection and construction while various proposals are being made for an old and modern Beijing to be built and its historical cultural tint kept, said sources from the 4th Session of the 11th Beijing Municipal People's Political Consultative Conference (BMPPCC).
It was told that altogether 1317 proposals and suggestions had been had from the democratic parties in Beijing in 2000. Advice given touched on the reconstruction and protection of the old city, quality education among residents, air pollution control, and "Greener City Campaign". In light of these opinions, the BMPPCC has organized experts and scholars to make further investigation and research, among which 16 key research topics were completed on schedule in 2000. Of the proposals put forward, Proposals on Protection of the Historical and Cultural City of Beijing has been listed as one of the key projects during the 10th Five-year Plan period.
According to the session, Beijing's role as a cultural center has been boosted up. Temple of Heaven and Summer Palace, two famous scenic historic sites in Beijing have been listed World Cultural Heritages by the United Nations.
Meanwhile, the BMPPCC delegates offered quite many proposals on a series of environmental protection measures taken by the Beijing Municipal government. In the past five years, ecological construction in Beijing has achieved notable results. During the 9th Five-year Plan period (1996-2000), 40 percent sewage got treated and 81.5 percent of urban trash was made harmless, up 20.6 and 60 percentage point respectively over the end of the 8th Five-year Plan period (1991-1995). The forestry coverage of the city has been up to 43 percent.
(People's Daily 02/05/2001)
