China encourages space saving funerals

A Chinese government directive that encourages family members to be buried together, or to have their remains disposed of in environmentally friendly ways, has drawn criticism online. The directive came days after a similar outcry was caused by the authorities calling for an end to gated communities. Both measures seek to address the issue of population pressure on tight land supplies. The Chinese authorities have been encouraging frugal burials in recent years in the face of land shortages and exorbitant cemetery prices. Many cities are offering cash awards for families who choose sea burials or other land-sparing alternatives.

BEIJING — Whether you are alive or dead, the Chinese authorities have made clear that there is just not that much room for you.

Days after the government ignited a public outcry with urban development guidelines that called for an end to gated residential communities, a directive that encourages family members to be buried together or to have their remains disposed of in environmentally friendly ways has drawn criticism online. Many commenters have linked the two measures, since both address the issue of population pressure on tight land supplies by asking citizens to change their way of life, and death.

On Wednesday, nine ministries including the Ministry of Civil Affairs and the National Development and Reform Commission released a joint directive, dated Feb. 19, laying out the plan encouraging smaller graves and shared plots. It also asks cities to provide incentives for degradable urns, scattering ashes and burials at sea. Breaches of burial rules by party officials, like building elaborate tombstones, will be investigated and “rectified,” it says.