The local government should take timely action on media reports, says a commentary of the Beijing News. An excerpt follows:

Chenzhou, a city in Hunan Province in central China, made headlines over the weekend.

The local government reportedly asked small coal mines to give their workers leave and to shut down the mines before an inspection group from the central government arrived. In this way, the small mines could avoid inspection.

The inspection group started its tour in early February to check coal mine safety in the 10 provinces with coal mines. With 409 coal mines, more than one fourth of Hunan Province's total, Chenzhou is a primary stop for the inspectors.

According to CCTV reports, many coal mines were operating until the day before the group's arrival on February 3. Since the inspection schedule was leaked, it was natural for mines with illegal activities to cover up.

The CCTV reporters also found that many small coal mines still in operation should have been closed long ago because of lack of safety measures.

The Chenzhou government should make timely clarification to the public on the CCTV reports.

If these reports are found to be accurate, it is also the government's responsibility to punish those responsible.

Not long ago, the Chenzhou government announced that it was willing to be open to the media as well as to the public. It even said reporters who supervise on the government would be rewarded.

Now it is time to fulfill this announcement.

(China Daily February 13, 2007)