Chinese people just welcomed the Year of the Rat a few days ago, but rats are not welcomed in China, especially Beijing. Beijing will host the 2008 summer Olympics in August, thus rats are the latest target of Beijing’s efforts to present a sparkling city for the Olympics. From Keralanext.com :
China may have just ushered in the Year of the Rat, but the pesky rodents aren’t welcome in its capital.
Rats are the latest target of Beijing’s efforts to present a sparkling city for the Olympics in August, with the government announcing a campaign to rid all venues of rodents.
Authorities will target Olympic venues and training facilities, and areas within a 3,280-foot radius, in a drive that will kick off late this month, the official Xinhua news agency reported.
Besides rats, Beijing also closed some of its polluting petrol station for cleaner air condition, from BBC News :
China is closing 10% of Beijing’s petrol stations to improve air quality ahead of the Olympics in August.
By the end of May, 144 will shut because they are not expected to meet higher environmental standards, according to state media.
The remainder are to be fitted with devices to reduce the level of fumes which escape when vehicles fill up.
