BEIJING, Jan 24 : Beijing plans to tear down at least 40 million square metres, or a staggering 15.44 square miles, of illegal structures, roughly an area of 28 London Hyde Parks, and shut 500 manufacturing firms this year.
The city will "ensure zero increase of such structures" this year and will continue to relocate people out of the city centre.
Beijing last year set a similar goal to demolish 40 million square metres of illegal structures.
Beijing launched a citywide safety blitz in November following a deadly fire that has resulted in the demolition of buildings that violate safety codes and the eviction of thousands of migrant workers from their homes and businesses. —REUTERS
