Eight government departments Tuesday urged stepped-up efforts to prevent accidents such as fires and stampedes during Tomb-sweeping Day, which falls on April 4.

The ministries, including those of civil affairs, public security, transport and forestry, issued a joint circular about precautions ahead of the holiday, when most Chinese visit cemeteries and burn incense sticks and paper money to honor their deceased ancestors.

Last year, the government made the day an official holiday in response to public demand.

Funeral homes and public cemeteries were told to make contingency plans for emergencies, properly mark escape routes and try to avoid having large crowds.

Forestry departments were put on alert as the risk of forest fires is high in most regions due to strong winds, rising temperatures and dry air.

Transport departments were asked to put more buses and trains into service to meet demand.

The ministries urged the public to follow "healthy, innovative" methods of honoring the dead for the sake of "environment protection and harmony."

In recent years, some Chinese have opted to avoid crowds and hassles by visiting online memorial halls. Such "virtual" cemeteries became available in the 1990s and some have developed into successful businesses.

(Xinhua News Agency March 18, 2009)