Blind urbanization dangerous

Shiyan, Hubei province, has been chosen as the base of the South-to-North water diversion project. But Shiyan's rivers are dry during a large part of the year and the city is hit by natural disasters such as mudslides in the rainy season because mountains are being blasted for land reclamation. It is surprising that the authorities have selected Shiyan for their ambitious project without taking into account the damage they would cause to the natural landscape and the environment, says an article in China Youth Daily. Excerpts:

Blasting mountains for land reclamation has become a trend, with many local governments continuing to expand cities or build new ones on reclaimed land. A better and more environmentally friendly way of expanding cities would be to build satellite towns instead of destroying natural structures.

Urban planners should have people's real interest and welfare in mind and oppose destructive urbanization.

Blasting mountains out of existence may not have immediate consequences, but in the long run the damage to ecology will prove costly. Droughts and drought-like conditions have been plaguing vast areas of southwestern and southern China in recent years because of low rainfall - but they can also be attributed to shrinking lakes and other water bodies as a result of land reclamation.

Apart from staking hundreds of millions of yuan, the authorities also could face hidden problems if they go ahead with projects for political considerations without taking environmental damage into account. Since a massive project like the South-to-North water diversion scheme takes years to complete, who will be responsible if it proves a failure?

The true story of an ordinary hero

People in Changsha, Hunan province, have been mourning the death of an old man, Cai Zongyi, who used to run a newsstand. Locals called him the "Newsstand Grandpa" because he used to offer books and newspapers to young people for free and encourage them to achieve higher goals, says an article on xinhuanet. Excerpts:

Why is the death of an ordinary newsstand owner being mourned by so many people, many of whom didn't even know him? According to reports, Cai had been running the newsstand for nearly 15 years and welcomed many, especially youths, with a smile, encouragement and free books, magazines and newspapers. He remembered the names and hobbies of many students even after they had graduated from universities and taken up jobs elsewhere.

His encouragement and optimism helped many youths to achieve higher goals. Reportedly, one youngster said: "Grandpa Cai likes us all, and we would like to treat him like our family member." Another resident said Cai celebrated life and had a positive influence on youths.

Urbanization, many say, has created "a society of strangers", in which relatives fight for real estate and friends take on each other for more money and power. In such a situation, very few help others. Perhaps that's why Cai had been such an inspiring character.

Society could do better with a few more "Newsstand Grandpas", especially in times when people are becoming increasingly self-centered and money-minded.

(China Daily 02/06/2013 page9)