(Yicai Global) March 23 ― Weather conditions and increased emissions worsened air pollution in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, which criticized Anyang in Henan province for poor control and prevention of pollution.
Data shows that air quality in Beijing reached the ‘heavy’ pollution level yesterday morning, with cities along the Taihang Mountains also suffering. The smog lasted for a particularly long time in Anyang.
The latest bout of pollution began in Anyang and Zhengzhou, Henan’s capital, the ministry said yesterday.
Through inspections, the ministry concluded that the severe air pollution in the region was caused by ineffective implementation of heavy pollution contingency measures; illegal pollutant discharge and online surveillance data falsification by local companies; a failure to pay attention to the issue of dust and smog caused by poorly-regulated businesses; and inaction or delayed action by the local government.
Several local firms were singled out, including steelmakers, ceramics businesses and thermal power plants.
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