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Countdowns are canceled
By Ni Yinbin |
December 28, 2010, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
POPULAR New Year countdown celebrations at the Bund and Xujiahui areas have been canceled due to safety concerns in the wake of last month's devastating high-rise blaze in the city.
The glitzy events featuring fireworks and performances from celebrities usually attract thousands of residents. Last year, celebrations at the Bund went ahead - with the countdown broadcast on television - even though the area was undergoing renovation.
But Huangpu District officials have confirmed that Friday's event will not take place due to concerns raised by the fire in Jing'an District on November 15 which killed 58 and injured 71.
The countdown in Xujiahui is canceled for the same reason, according to the Xuhui District government.
Officials are worried about having so many people in a small area, should an emergency occur.
However, New Year celebrations are still going ahead in Xintiandi and the World Expo site, though without fireworks.
Meanwhile, regulations on setting off firecrackers during the Spring Festival holiday have been strengthened as a consequence of the fire.
According to the new regulation launched by Shanghai police and fire department, firecrackers will be banned within 50 meters of construction sites with scaffolding, indoors and on balconies and roofs.
Entertainment venues, restaurants and hotels are also banned from setting off firecrackers.
"This will strengthen the administration of firecrackers to prevent accidents," the municipal government said on its website.
Other places, including commercial areas, airports, hospitals, schools, and social utilities, also prohibit firecrackers within 50 meters.
The Shanghai Fire Control Bureau visited 2,690 organizations and venues last Friday, and found fire hazards in 1,120. Sixteen people were detained and seven venues shut down.
The glitzy events featuring fireworks and performances from celebrities usually attract thousands of residents. Last year, celebrations at the Bund went ahead - with the countdown broadcast on television - even though the area was undergoing renovation.
But Huangpu District officials have confirmed that Friday's event will not take place due to concerns raised by the fire in Jing'an District on November 15 which killed 58 and injured 71.
The countdown in Xujiahui is canceled for the same reason, according to the Xuhui District government.
Officials are worried about having so many people in a small area, should an emergency occur.
However, New Year celebrations are still going ahead in Xintiandi and the World Expo site, though without fireworks.
Meanwhile, regulations on setting off firecrackers during the Spring Festival holiday have been strengthened as a consequence of the fire.
According to the new regulation launched by Shanghai police and fire department, firecrackers will be banned within 50 meters of construction sites with scaffolding, indoors and on balconies and roofs.
Entertainment venues, restaurants and hotels are also banned from setting off firecrackers.
"This will strengthen the administration of firecrackers to prevent accidents," the municipal government said on its website.
Other places, including commercial areas, airports, hospitals, schools, and social utilities, also prohibit firecrackers within 50 meters.
The Shanghai Fire Control Bureau visited 2,690 organizations and venues last Friday, and found fire hazards in 1,120. Sixteen people were detained and seven venues shut down.
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