SHANGHAI: Cheng Laifa has locked himself up in his apartment for more than 10 days, blocking all the windows with bricks and planks, and surviving on instant noodles.

Cheng, 55, said his self-imposed imprisonment is the only way to protect his home from being forcibly demolished.

Cheng is protesting against the large-scale old neighborhood regeneration projects going full steam in the city. Local authorities introduced new policies in 2008 which stipulate that relocation projects can proceed only when 90 percent of the residents affected agree to relocate and more than two-thirds approve the compensation plan.

However, disputes and disgruntled protesters continue to make headlines in the city, where millions of residents have to make way for urban development each year.

According to a recent administrative ruling issued by the Yangpu district government, Cheng's apartment was slated for demolition before the Spring Festival to make way for a new high-end business and residential area.