Beijing launches new air pollution campaign

BEIJING - Beijing launched a five-month campaign on Thursday in its fight against air pollution and lingering smog, according to the municipal government.

The campaign will focus on emissions from industrial chimneys, casting factories, printing houses and plants of waterproof coiled materials (used for construction), chemicals, furniture, medicine, industrial coating materials and automobiles, said vice mayor Zhang Gong.

The municipal government will also step up efforts to supervise open-air barbecues and restaurants and construction sites, which are all blamed for contributing PM 2.5 particles and pose health risks, said Zhang.

It also promotes the use of clean energy in the catering business.

Zhang vowed serious punishment for violators.

In its battle for blue skies, Beijing has adopted a series of programs, including allowing cars with odd and even license plates on roads on alternating days.

According to an action plan unveiled in 2013, inhalable particulars will be cut by at least 10 percent in major cities nationwide by 2017. In Beijing and surrounding areas, PM 2.5 should fall by about 25 percent from 2012 levels by 2017.