The Ministry of Water Resources claims that the overuse of ground water has caused land to sink in over 50 Chinese cities, mainly located on the Yangtze River Delta and in the country's northeast.
   
The ministry says cities have been ordered to control their use of ground water and limit the construction of skyscrapers.
   
Other measures being taken include placing limits on overall water usage and artificial replenishment of aquifers.
  
A ground sinking surveillance system has also been established in these areas.

(Xinhua News Agency March 2, 2005)