Beijing plans to build a coal gas plant, a major polluter of the national capital, into an industrial relics park in an effort to honor its "Green Olympics" commitment.

The Beijing Municipal Commission of Urban Planning has drafted a construction plan for the park and is seeking advise from experts, said Zhang Xiwen, head of the Beijing Coking and Chemistry Plant, which has stopped production since July, 2006.

"The park will become a part of the city's industrial tourism project and a relaxing place of the citizens," said Zhang.

Built in 1959, the Beijing Coking and Chemistry Plant is the first gas plant in Beijing and it used to be a major gas producer for the city with a daily production of 1.8 million cubic meters of coal gas.

The plant, however, has gradually reduced production since Beijing won the bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games in 2001 and it finally stopped production on July 23, 2006, according to Zhang.

It is estimated that the city's annual coal consumption will be reduced 2.96 million tons, the dust and sulfur dioxide emission will be cut down 73.21 million tons and 75 million tons respectively.

(Xinhua News Agency February 28, 2007)