China to again embark on central environmental inspections

China will soon embark on its second round of central environmental inspections, with targets extended to State-owned companies and central government bodies, said a senior environmental official.

In addition to environmental violations, inspectors will also check whether the high-quality development philosophy is being implemented, Zhai Qing, vice-minister of ecology and environment, on Thursday told a news conference organized by the State Council Information Office.

The first round of inspections that lasted from the end of 2015 to 2018 mainly targeted local governments and companies.

Qing said the second round will last four years starting this year. Inspectors will check whether violations have been rectified when they conclude their task in 2022.

"The first batch of inspectors have finished their preparation work and will embark on the inspection after the plan wins approval from the central authorities," he said, adding that the regions and institutions to be covered will be made public after the approval.

According to the Ministry of Ecology and Environment, in the first round of the central environmental inspection, a total of over 40,000 companies were imposed penalties of almost 2.5 billion yuan for their environmental violations and 2,264 people were detained.

It also said the inspection helped address more than 150,000 environmental problems that affect people's lives.