Officials carpeted over 'red carpet'

(Photo/Sina Weibo)

China's Hunan Province was scandalized on Friday by public criticism of an official activity on China's national Tree Planting Day.

The district government of Lingling of Yongzhou City decided to circulate a notice of criticism of officials including the head of forestry bureau and director of the local women's federation.

On Thursday, the 37th Tree Planting Day, several web users posted photos of officials and volunteers in Lingling District walking on a mountain road covered by red carpet, holding high the flags and carrying hoes.

Although it was reported that they had planted more than 25,000 trees, the photos aroused public criticism and suspicion that the activity was purely for show.

The organizer responded that they placed an old carpet on the mountain road because it was very slippery after rain.

"What I care most is whether they look after the trees they planted. In this way, Tree Planting Day can be really meaningful," one comment said at Sina Weibo.