The State Council has approved the overall urban planning (2011-2020) for Baotou city in North China’s Inner Mongolia autonomous region.

Baotou is an important economic center of Inner Mongolia autonomous region, and one of the country’s key industrial bases. By implementing the development concept of innovation, coordination, green development, openness and sharing, the plan is aimed at building Baotou into a prosperous and livable modern city with a well-maintained ecological system and distinct features.

Coordinated urban and rural development was urged in the designated area of 1,901 square kilometers, with extra attention paid to developing counties and major towns with potential, and optimizing the overall layout of villages and towns.

According to the plan, by 2020, the population of permanent residents in downtown Baotou will be capped to 2.6 million, and the city’s urban construction land limited to 302 square kilometers. No development zones or new districts will be allowed beyond the approved area.

Newly added construction land should be strictly controlled, and underground space should be explored and utilized. Efforts should also be made to improve the land usage rate and protect basic farmlands.

The State Council also urged the Baotou government to establish a comprehensive transportation system and promote the construction of urban parking lots.

Other city infrastructure, such as water supply and waste disposal systems, should be developed under a coordinated plan. Disaster prevention and reduction work should also be reinforced, the plan said.

The local government is urged to strictly control the emissions of pollutants, improve the use efficiency in water resources, promote the construction of a “sponge city”, and enhance the protection of scenic spots and special ecological function areas.

The State Council also called for the development of public services concerning education, medical care and municipal administration, and including the construction of subsidized apartments in the city’s development plan.

Efforts should also be made to protect historic culture and natural reserves.