A series of projects contributing pollution will be halted in Hebei province in preparation of the upcoming APEC meeting.

Hebei province has been ranked among the top 10 polluted cities in China. On November 3, representatives from different countries are set to join the 2014 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Beijing. Since Hebei is the capital’s neighbor, the province seeks to conduct measures to improve the quality of air to ensure guests would be able to breathe fresh air.

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The province will cease to operate projects that are highly emitting pollution throughout the summit. Hebei has already ordered 881 sites to halt operations until November 12. These projects include waste transportation, excavation, demolition and other activities known to generate dust.

Waste disposal and outdoor barbecues would also be banned while the event is ongoing. Meanwhile, other construction projections were required to be cut by half. A government guideline was also issued saying 1,564 construction sites in Hebei would be completely shut down if the quality of air continues to worsen.

The Ministry of Environmental Protection held six Hebei cities responsible for failing to impose necessary measures to combat pollution. This was after Beijing and Hebei incurred massive air pollution earlier this month.

Despite the order, it is not sure if Hebei province could ensure implementing the measures smoothly. The guideline also stated that a group of inspectors would be sent to oversee the pollution control activity. Environmental Protection Bureau deputy director Yin Guangping of Hebei said the province would decrease 30% of emitted pollution. He also added officials would be supervising sites 24 hours daily.

Meanwhile, Renmin University of China School of Environment dean Ma Zhong said the quality of air was also watched closely during events such as the recently ended Youth Olympic Games and the 2008 Olympic Games. Ma said plans to combat pollution should be done regularly and longer.

Netizens also aired their views about the order, saying deadly air pollution cannot be eradicated if plans are only implemented during important events.

TagsAPEC, Hebei, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation