Forcible demolition vs. harmony

The onus to stop developers in their ugly design rests upon local governments and the judiciary

Demolitions have become a common phenomenon as urbanization intensifies across the world. But this phenomenon is different in China, where forced demolitions are becoming more like public power violating basic civil rights. Such acts have been widely criticized by the public and the media, though.

In his report to the National People's Congress (NPC) on Aug 24, 2007, the then minister of construction said the Urban Housing Demolition Management Regulation was contrary to the newly passed Property Rights Law and, hence, should be repealed. Four days later, the NPC Standing Committee accepted that the then existing demolition regulations were contrary to law and even the Constitution. That in a way marked the beginning of the post-demolition era in China.