Eighteen cities in central China's
Henan Province have been told to have at least 256 days of good
air quality, according to sources with the provincial
government.
It is the first time that Henan has set this target for the 18
cities that fall under the direct jurisdiction of the provincial
government.
The move is aimed to further environmental protection and
improve air quality in the province, the sources said.
Henan cities had an average of 303 days with good air quality in
2005. Cities burdened with air pollution such as Luoyang, Jiaozuo
and Pingdingshan performed well last year, according to the
provincial department of environmental protection.
During the past five years, the province has closed down 3,860
polluting factories, 978 of which were closed down in 2005, to
protect the environment.
It has invested over 300 million yuan (US$37.5 million) in the
provision of safe drinking water for 1.52 million rural residents
in 965 villages in 2005.
It also told the 18 cities to keep a close eye on 2,843
factories and production lines this year.
(Xinhua News Agency February 17, 2006)