Shanghai to Reduce PM2.5 20 Pct by 2017

"The restrictions on high pollution enterprises won't bring pressure to the city's economic development. Our policy is to make room for businesses that bring benefits economically and environmentally," said Zhou Qiang, secretary-general of the Shanghai Commission of Development and Reform.

The construction of a green traffic system that gives priority to public transport will also be carried out. Research by the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau showed that traffic contributes to 25 percent of nitrogen dioxide and PM2.5 in the municipality.

"In 2015, the use of public transportation will reach 50 percent in downtown districts," said Pei Xiao, deputy chief engineer of the Shanghai Urban-Rural Construction and Transport Commission.

Vessels will also be required to use first-rate petrol to curb pollutants because Shanghai is a global port, Pei added.

The municipal government will establish an accountability system toward relevant departments and officials with a focus on air quality improvement and carry out annual assessments.

Statistics from the Shanghai Environmental Protection Bureau showed the average PM2.5 level in Shanghai from June 2012 to June 2013 was 56 micrograms per cubic meter. The level was high compared with international levels, experts said, but outmatched the national standard, 75.

"Shanghai needs to take other places in the Yangtze River Delta region into account for its pollution control plan. Joint efforts between the regions are necessary, and the measures should be synchronized," said Qian Hua, director of the research institute of atmospheric environment under the Shanghai Academy of Environmental Sciences.