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.