Editorial | Even in death, Green is still the best way in Hong Kong

Not too long ago, Hong Kong faced an acute lack of graves. In the middle of an aging population, it had to be addressed with some urgency.

Earlier administrations have reinforced the efforts to build up more columbaria. The lack of niches may be less of a problem now, but demand remains strong and will grow over time.

It is therefore a good thing that the authorities on May 19, 16,150 published new public columbarium niches and will soon open many more.

In a sign of the time, 6,050 niches are displayed in a smoke-free facility in which the burning of joss sticks and incense is prohibited to meet the environmental problems of the residents, as well as a request from the local government, to comply with environmentally friendly principles.

The Department of Food and Environmental Hygiene says that the residents of Hong Kong have a month from May 19 to apply for the 4,000 standard niches and 50 large ones at where Hop Shek Columbarium Phase VI and the 6,000 standard niches and 50 large in Cape Collinson-San Ha Columbarium and Shek Mun Columumum.

The where Hop Shek and Cape Collinson-San HA facilities have a 50 percent smoke-free policy. The planned completion of the smoke -free, 23,000 square meter, three -story Shek Mun Columbarium This year offers another 40,000 niches as well as a garden for pouring and 300 threads for miscarriages.