A hearing on the construction of high-voltage lines near the Summer Palace begins on Friday. 

Deputies of a local residential community and 13 companies will attend a hearing to discuss whether the construction of high-voltage lines near the Summer Palace will result in unhealthy electromagnetic radiation.

Beijing's Environmental Protection Authorities say Friday's hearing will focus on the possible health risk for people who live or work nearby by the electromagnetic radiation.

However, whether or not the construction will have a negative impact on scenic spots of the Summer Palace won't be discussed at this session.

Reports say this is the largest environmental protection hearing ever held in Beijing.

The hearing aims to collect different views and suggestions from different aspects of the matter.

(CRI.com August 14, 2004)