Short inconvenience will bring long-term gains
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With the opening ceremony of the 16th Asian Games on November 12 drawing close, a series of new policies have been released by the Guangzhou city government and other co-host cities in Guangdong Province to ensure the Games to go smoothly next month.
One of the eye-catching policies in effect from November 1 to December 20 is that all kebab stands on the streets are banned as they are said to cause too much air pollution.
Comments and discussions filled Internet chat rooms hours after the policy was released. Some argue that this is the government making a mountain out of a molehill, which makes life difficult for small business owners. Some critics say that this unnecessary rule shows no consideration for the livelihood of people with less money.
Guangzhou also released traffic control polices, such as odd-even number plate cars on the road on alternating days, and limiting a few roads as exclusive for the Games.
These rules have stirred much public criticism. Some comment that such methods are no more than a temporary show put on by the local governments.
Understandably, a lot of the complaints about the inconvenience are justified. Having to go through the pain to detour around main roads and not being able to drive cars on alternating days is not pleasant. Cutting down on production has also created concerns about a salary reduction.
But, fighting air pollution has never been easy for any government. Controlling pollution will inevitably cause inconvenience to people's everyday life.
Temporary factory closures and strict traffic control will lead to a higher quality environment in the future.
Good quality air is not just a matter of face for Guangzhou, Guangdong and China, but these rules will push citizens and enterprises to actually adopt environmental protection measures in the long run.
Guangzhou is a city once known for its heavy pollution, chaotic traffic and inadequate public order.
The Asian Games is a good opportunity for the city to present the world a new image.
The measures that some might feel heavy and blunt will clash with the old ways of doing things. Understanding is needed for the measures to take long-term effect.
Other international events such as the Beijing Olympic Games and Shanghai Expo both lifted regional standards. Similar policies will be expected for future events as well.
The downside of the policies might be obvious - the vendors' interest will be hurt, and some construction projects might be delayed. But the positive influence will have a lasting positive impact on the urban environment.
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