The warm winter in Beijing has caused concerns that sandstorms will possibly land in the city in spring.

 

Beijing, located south of the Inner Mongolia grassland, has been frequently hit by sandstorms over the past few years. Beijing Vice Mayor Ji Lin said on Tuesday in Beijing that the lack of rain and snow in winter is an important factor in causing sandstorms.

 

In response, the head of the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau, Shi Hanmin, has vowed to launch emergency plans to cope with sandstorms. The plans include launching weather forecasts to remind the public of pollution and strengthening management of pollutant-releasing industries.

 

To provide a good environment for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, Beijing will hold a "no car day" in September. Citizens in Beijing are called on to ride bikes, take buses or cabs and walk instead of driving their cars on that day. 

 

(CRI February 7, 2007)