Beijing will demolish 3.32 million square meters of illegal constructions next year to "create a better environment for the Olympic Games", according to the Beijing 2008 Environment Construction Headquarters.

Extensions on people's homes and businesses, which have been built without obtaining government permits, are the main targets, particularly in the outskirts of downtown Beijing, within the fifth ring road.

All the demolition work will be completed by the end of June next year, the headquarters said.

Apart from tearing down buildings, the local government also plans to clean up garbage dumps, repave roads in Beijing's suburbs and plant more grassy areas.

Deputy Mayor Ji Lin stressed the demolition should "put people first" and the relocation of local people must be well prepared.

(Xinhua News Agency December 5, 2006)