Lhasa’s development program gets green light

By 2020, Lhasa will maintain its downtown population at no more than 500,000, and urban construction land will be limited to within 77.88 square kilometers, according to the city’s overall plan (2009-20).

A land area of 4,326 square kilometers has been designated to promote integrated development of the rural and urban areas in Lhasa, capital of the Tibet autonomous region in Southwest China, the plan said.

The plan, approved by the State Council, China’s Cabinet, was released on Aug 8.

Lhasa, a historic city, attracts domestic and overseas travelers with its snow-capped mountains in the background and unique culture.

The document requires building more public facilities to better serve adjacent villages in key counties, and optimizing the overall planning for villages and towns.

More efforts will be made to accelerate the modernization of rural areas in counties and key townships that have access to good infrastructure.

No new development zones or city districts will be set up beyond the land approved in this city plan, which will control the increase of construction land and strengthen protection of arable land.

The notice stressed green development for urban infrastructure facilities, including the transport system, parking lots, underground pipelines and disaster prevention systems.

Local governments are required to control pollutants, reduce overcapacity in industries and support green buildings, to build Lhasa into a resource-conserving and people-friendly city. The plateau city is renowned for its altitude and clean air, which has attracted thousands of people from inland regions.

New measures will be carried out to protect scenic sites, natural reserves and ecological function zones, including wetlands and water sources. Efforts should also be made to protect the traditional city landscape and historic and cultural heritage sites, such as the Potala Palace, according to the plan.

Local governments are required to make concerted efforts in upgrading infrastructure that is closely related to public interests, such as education, healthcare and urban management.

A special focus will be on affordable housing projects to improve living conditions.

Meanwhile, houses in shantytowns and villages within the city will be renovated and equipped with new facilities.