Yongchang Authorities Fine Illegal Construction On Farmland

An ecological project in a rural area is under investigation for allegedly failing to deliver promised tourism benefits after eight years. Villagers report that a project initially presented as an eco-tourism development has failed to materialize after nearly eight years. The Geng Ecological Park, covering 2,300 mu, is suspected of illegal large-scale construction of luxury tombs. Investigations suggest the project may also be occupying farmland and adjacent land for profit-driven purposes. The site reportedly includes 35 individual Chinese-style residential tombs. Villagers in Yongchang's Jingtai Town report that collective rural land has been converted into a cemetery by the Changgen Ecological Park. Residents, including Xu Fuquan, presented land contract certificates issued in September 2018 to show that their four plots of basic farmland were repurposed. The project has received three administrative penalties totaling approximately 170,000 yuan for illegal land use and forest land occupation. Authorities in Yidong County are issuing fines between 800 and 1,000 yuan per square meter for illegal construction on land outside of permanent basic farmland.