Sanmenxia authorities send a clear message against polluters

( chinadaily.com.cn )

Updated: 2015-12-04

The local government in Sanmenxia, Henan province, made a reaffirmed efforts to combat air pollution by implementing new measures.

The measures, which call for government departments to have an overall awareness of protecting air quality, will last through the winter. Governments of local counties and districts have been urged to do more to combat pollutants and punish major polluters according to the law.

A small task group will be set up to increase the frequency of supervision in some locations with heavy pollutant emissions. Related authorities will be required to establish contingency plans in case pollution becoming "out of control".

"We will strengthen our organization to lead all departments to prevent and control air pollution," said Li Lin, vice-mayor of Sanmenxia, during a conference call on December 2.

Speaking at the conference, Lin also urged local regulators to shape a detailed mechanism on the work carried out to curb the severe problem.

The environment crisis in China has once again emerged as a hot topic, after cities including Beijing experienced hazardous levels of pollutants. The deteriorating air quality has been met with frustration among the public, leading to more effective measures being implemented by the government.

A view of the Swan Lake Wetland National Park in Sanmenxia, Henan province. [Photo/smx.gov.cn]