Beijing among 23 cities hit by high pollution; China on red alert

A red alert has been issued in China after twenty three cities including capital Beijing were hit by high pollution.

New Delhi: A red alert has been issued in China after twenty three cities including capital Beijing were hit by high pollution.

The authorities have activated red alert and also enforced odd-even scheme to restrict traffic movement as the country tries to deal with severe pollution across the northern part especially.

The measures included car restrictions on roads, suspension of construction and classes for kindergardens and primary schools as well as reduced emissions guidelines for factories.

Beijing activated its first red alert for smog this winter as the air began to turn hazy yesterday, ending several days of blue sky.

Kindergardens and primary schools have been ordered to suspend classes from Monday to Wednesday in Beijing due to the persistent heavy smog.

All road construction and maintenance sites have been ordered to stop work.

The PM 2.5 density exceeded 200 in the downtown areas of the capital, indicating the air is heavily polluted, according to the Beijing Municipal Environmental Monitoring Centre.

(With PTI inputs)