Northwest China Implements Emergency Measures to Curb Industrial Pollution
In response to imminent heavy pollution and thick fog, Xian and Yinchuan in northwest China have advised residents to stay indoors, restricted heavy industrial production, and temporarily halted coal processing. China’s Central Meteorological Observatory forecasts dense haze in the country’s north and east, followed by a cold wave to disperse the heavy fog.
In Xian, the capital of Shaanxi province, a red alert was issued, anticipating severe pollution. Mandatory emergency measures include urging public transportation use and implementing flexible work arrangements. Xian urged companies, institutions, and construction sites emitting pollutants to modify production schedules and actively minimise emissions.
Yinchuan, the capital of Ningxia region, implemented measures to reduce exhaust pollutants by over 20%, ensuring normal operations for enterprises. Yinchuan anticipates moderate pollution, with photos depicting a grey atmosphere. There’s a chance of severe pollution, according to China News Service visuals. The city aimed to reduce or halt industrial production, intensifying pollution controls for crucial sectors like power, petrochemicals, chemicals, metallurgy, and cement plants.
Local authorities suspended earthwork, demolition, spray and paintwork, bulk material transportation, and heavy-duty truck activities. Restrictions extended to high-emission vehicles, urging avoidance of idling. The national weather observatory cautions of low visibility in dense fog, potentially disrupting transport in Hebei, Shandong, Jiangsu, Anhui, and Chongqing, affecting peak travel before the New Year holiday.
The observatory advises individuals with respiratory and cardiovascular conditions to take precautions, as the pollution primarily consists of fine particles that can penetrate the lungs and bloodstream. Anhui’s environmental authority declared an orange alert for severe pollution, implementing a level II emergency response as air quality deteriorated in six cities.
China’s weather-warning system has four tiers, with red as the most severe. Anhui anticipates continued poor pollution diffusion conditions across most areas in the coming week. The situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by Chinese cities in managing air quality and environmental impacts, prompting stringent measures to mitigate pollution and protect public health. These efforts align with broader national initiatives to achieve sustainable development and improve the overall environmental landscape.
