EJ InsightToday, 11:01
A grave in the middle of a popular Hong Kong walking trail has become a battleground for the government and hikers who want it removed.
They are criticizing officials for foot-dragging and collusion, Apple Daily Daily reports.
The concrete structure, about three meters long and one meter high, is about 100 meters from Dragon’s Back, once named by Time magazine as the best urban hiking trail in Asia.
The tomb faces the ocean from a government afforestation site in Shek O.
A group of hikers complained to the government three years ago and sought the removal of the structure, saying it has no religious or historical significance, the report said.
A prayer for Hong Kong prosperity is engraved in a plaque, along with the name of a man, but there is no information about him.
The grave might have been built illegally by a feng shui believer who wanted to change his luck, the report said.
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department said there was basis for the complaint after inspecting the structure in response to the hikers’ petition.
It said the matter has been handed to the Land Department and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD).
FEHD has issued four notices this month that any remains be removed from the tomb by Nov. 10.
However, the government did not say how it plans to deal with the structure.
Tombs are prohibited in country parks under an ordinance on parks and special areas.
Offenders are liable to a HK$2,000 (US$258) fine and and three months’ imprisonment. Illegal burials are subject to a HK$5,000 fine and a six-month jail term.
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