Local authorities have duty to protect cultural heritage

THE COMPOUND surrounding Dayun Temple in Shangluo, Northwest China's Shaanxi province, has been encroached upon by the construction of a new development. This has caused damage to several relics including an ancient mulberry tree and four houses built during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Beijing News commented on Saturday:

The construction work endangering a cultural and historical site on the provincial cultural heritage protection list stopped when the Shangluo museum published an open letter calling for official intervention. However, damage had already been done to the temple, which has a history of more than 600 years: An old tree and a decorated archway were relocated and four houses torn down. There are also cracks in the walls and gates.

It is regrettable that despite years of struggle between the cultural heritage protection authorities and city planning officials, the "urban renovation project" went on undisturbed even though it infringed upon areas under protection. When it comes to construction work near valuable cultural heritage, the urban managers should be very careful to ensure no irreversible damage is done.