China tears down cement factories in its war on pollution

World Today

With air pollution on the rise in China, the country has stepped up its efforts to tackle the problem. On International Environment Day, the theme in China is ‘Declare War on Pollution’.

In North China’s Hebei province, polluting iron and steel and cement factories are being torn down, notwithstanding many of them being pillars of the local economy.

“I ran this cement factory for over thirty years. One step after another, I guided it through various difficulties over the years. Now, I feel really emotional seeing it torn down.” An Haisheng, owner of Hebei Luquan Cement Co., Ltd, said.

Scientists are looking for reasons behind the continuous smog in Chinese cities. Initial investigations indicate the use of coal as the major cause. Over time, emission standards have become stricter, even for state owned factories.

“We are going to weed out companies and industries with high emission levels, even if they meet the standard of industrial policies, because Shijiazhuang city can’t bear it any more.” Sun Ruibin, secretary of CPC Shijiazhuang Municipal Committee, said. CCTV’s Ning Hong reports.

China tears down cement factories in its war on pollution

Air pollution is on the rise in China, and Beijing is stepping up efforts to tackle the problem. This year, the theme for Environment Day in China is ''Declare War on Pollution''. CCTV Ning Hong reports.