Japan China Smog

Beijing: Several cities in China have been shrouded in smog for the past few days. At least 10 cities are worst hit by pollution smog since last week. This has reignited debate on how to reduce pollution and improve the air quality in China.

Beijing cranked up its pollution alert a notch higher to orange as heavy smog covered the Chinese capital. Under the newly raised alert, children and the elderly are advised to stay indoors while local residents are encouraged to use public transportation.

Tianjin and Hebei province as well as central and western Shandong province are facing heavy air pollution.

The environmental protection ministry said that 74 major Chinese cities are monitored which failed to meet quality standards and 10 cities are with the most serious problems.