Local authorities have begun to plant trees and grass in areas that were left exposed by explosions from the construction of the passenger cableway, in renowned Mount Tai in eastern China province of Shandong.

Dozens of workers are busy planting in the barren area.

Two cablecar projects that were conducted in the mountain respectively in 1983 and 2000, left a large amount of residue from explosions and builders rubbish, which covers an area of 5,000 square meters where vegetation can hardly grow.

The exposed and bare area damages the harmonious landscape of the mountain and makes it vulnerable to soil erosion.

The vegetation project is designed to fix detritus and add soil first, and then plant trees, bushes, grass and vines, sources said.

The whole project will cost 8 million yuan (US$964,000), according to the sources.

Mount Tai, one of China's five most famous mountain resorts, is located in Tai'an of Shandong Province and is 1,545 meters high. In 1987, Mount Tai was added to the list of World Heritage sites.

(People’s Daily 04/18/2001)