Authorities use a radar detector to find unauthorized basement construction in Beijing. [Photo/CFP]

Radar to detect unauthorized basement

Beijing authorities find an innovative way to use radar detectors.

Radar was employed to find unauthorized basement construction in renovated houses in Xicheng District of Beijing, Xinhua reported.

If any unauthorized basements are found, the owners will be ordered to fill in the basements or holes immediately before they get property ownership certificates, said Song Jiale, an official with the district government.

Previously, Li Baojun, a lawmaker from east China's Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, had built a 18-meter-deep basement in his courtyard in Xicheng District without permission, which caved in and caused the road and surrounding buildings to collapse on Jan 24.

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