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China shows resolve to tackle water pollution

Xinhua, April 20, 2015 Adjust font size:

Water-starved China is fast forwarding plans to prevent and control water pollution.

An ambitious outline released on Thursday set targets to reduce the amount of severely polluted water and groundwater contamination. By the end of 2030, more than 75 percent of the water in the seven major rivers should be clean, with dark and odorous water in urban areas eliminated.

The comprehensive document created a blueprint to alleviate China's worsening water problems.

An iron hand is expected to be used on officials when tackling water pollution. According to the new water rules, officials will be disciplined or demoted if they do not meet water pollution control targets. Retired officials would still be pursued for their dereliction of duty in office.

Polluting enterprises and cities with the worst water quality will be blacklisted and public supervision will be enhanced to punish polluters. The private sector are also expected to be mobilized to participate in the fight against pollution to provide abundant capital and technologies.

A huge market for related products and services could be formed with a market value of several trillion yuan.