Fuzhou govt orders removal of hundreds of graveyards in forest

Fuzhou, Fujian province, said it has ordered the immediate removal of hundreds of new burial sites that take up forest land and threaten to pollute a reservoir in the region.

The order, which came after a report by Xinhua News Agency on Friday, said that a large number of illegal graveyards on hills in the outskirts of Fuzhou, breached local interment regulations banning private burial grounds in forests, on farmland or at scenic spots.

The report aroused wide attention as Tomb Sweeping Day, also known as Qingming Festival, falls on April 5 this year. It is a traditional Chinese holiday where people pay tribute to deceased family and friends.