Smaller graves, sea burials, ashes scattered: China promotes green options for the dead amid shortage of cemetery space
Eco-friendly burials and placing the ashes of multiple family members in one plot are options as Beijing declares most cemeteries will be filled within 10 years
China has unveiled a plan to have families inter the ashes of multiple relatives in one gravesite as a shortage of cemetery space looms over much of the country.
The announcement comes just days after another controversial State Council decision to open up gated housing complexes to the public.
A joint directive issued yesterday by nine ministries, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Development and Reform Commission, said the mainland would promote smaller graves and eco-friendly alternatives, such as sea burials and scattering ashes over flowers.
“The whole country should recognise the importance and urgency of eco-friendly burials in the face of the grim situation resulting from the huge population, limited land supplies, severe pollution and a deteriorating environment,” the directive said.
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It said cemetery plots for graves in most provinces would be used up in 10 years.