Xi´an shuts down polluting plants
Local authorities in Xi'an say [b]air pollution has been cut by more than half [/b]as nearly all the dirty factories have been closed.Economically, this was a well-run paper manufacturing plant in Xi'an. But it's been shut down because of pollution.
Paper maker owner Guan Zhimao said, "I wanted to earn more money, but I didn't control our pollution. Now we have to shut down in a very short time."
Paper manufacturing used to be Xi'an's most active industry. At [b]its peak time, there were more than 400 plants in the city[/b]. They were the top polluter in the area, but actually did little help to local economy.
This made the industry a prime target in the recent cleaning campaign.
Luo Yamin, director of Xi'an Admin. of Environmental Protection, said, "Most of the companies are aware that they didn't reach national standards. They heavily polluted our rivers and the people are really upset by the pollution."
The campaign to [b]regulate the paper industry [/b]has been going on for years.[b] 50 companies remained in 2006[/b] and local authorities continued to [b]close down those that failed to reach standards in three tests.[/b] [b]Now, there are 30 left. [/b]
The city's river and underground water resources are recovering. But simply closing down the factories has raised concerns about losses to the local economy. Authorities are considering better ways to relocate the investment and workers.
The provincial government says it is also planning a precaution mechanism to control pollution, while maintaining healthy development of the industry. I can not agree with this action taken by the local government any more... Furthermore,sever punishment should be posed agnist those who do not follow the environment protection regulation.It is really a great news that Xi'an is now on the right track to pay more attention on environment.
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