Officials face punishment over environmental blunders

Zhai Qing, deputy minister of environmental protection, is seen at a press conference in Beijing on Thursday. [Photo/china.com.cn]

Government officials will be sent to disciplinary watchdogs for punishment if they are found responsible for deterioration of the environment or neglecting environmental responsibilities, a deputy minister of environment said.

"It (punishment) will be tried out in some pilot regions this year, and will be implemented across China next year," Zhai Qing, deputy minister of environmental protection, said in Beijing on Thursday.

The plan was drafted by the Ministry of Environmental Protection in conjunction with other departments.

"It makes clear that local Party committees and governments should shoulder the main responsibility for protecting the environment," Zhai said.

The State Council, China's cabinet, will create a group to undertake environmental supervision, and his ministry will be responsible for coordination, he added.

Government and Party officials who make big mistakes, are responsible for obvious downgrading of the environment or who fail to finish tasks assigned by the central government, will be punished, according to Zhai.

Officials who neglect responsibilities or abuse related powers will also be disciplined.