Beijing will ban work on most public construction projects this winter in an effort to combat smog. The air quality in the capital typically worsens during the winter months when the central heating is turned on.
The ban will extend to the capital’s six main districts as well as suburban areas and will be in effect from November 15 (the day the heating is turned on) until March 15 (the day the heating is turned off), South China Morning Post reports. Many road and water projects will be suspended. The demolition of homes will also be prohibited during the four-month ban.
READ MORE: Winter Pollution in Beijing Expected to Be Worse Than Usual
Some major construction projects will be allowed to continue, including construction on some railways and the new airport. However, a commission must grant approval first. Projects that are allowed to continue during the winter months will have to follow strict rules to reduce the amount of dust and emissions they produce.
The winter construction ban is part of Beijing’s effort to meet pollution goals set in 2013. The plan is to reduce levels seen in 2012 by over one quarter to an average of 60 micrograms per cubic meter this year. In 2016, the daily average was 73.
[Image via AP]
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