Beijing will vigorously develop underground space in its downtown areas in the years to come, an official with the municipal office of the people's air defence said.

Zhao Yuchi, chief engineer of the Beijing Municipal Office of the People's Air Defence, that a detailed plan regarding the development and use of the underground space in the 324-sq-km downtown area was compiled last October and submitted to the municipal government for approval.

Up to now, only one tenth of the underground space in the city has been developed, mostly used for residences, but in recent years, developments of underground space for commercial purpose have been on rise, said Li Changshuan, chief of the municipal air defense office.

"The municipal government encourages a greater use of the underground space out of consideration for saving energy," said Li, who believed safety work should be stepped up during the process of development.

While inspecting underground space development and construction projects in a couple of places Tuesday, some of the 20-odd members from the municipal committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), also called for improving training on self-rescue, installation of security equipment in the development of underground space, and being strict with the approval of access to underground space for commercial activities.

Source: Xinhua