Environment agency must be strict enforcers

A group of people wear facial masks at a performance art event to protest against smog in Zhengzhou city, Henan province, Dec 20. [Photo/CFP]

Over the past two years, China's Ministry of Environmental Protection has reportedly held talks with leaders from at least 20 cities and five enterprises, including a State-owned one, to address the serious local environmental pollution they were responsible for. Comments:

A review by the country's top environmental watchdog is expected to not only pressure the local authorities concerned to fulfill their green commitments, but also unveil the most urgent and specific problems in environmental protection. More important, governments at all levels have to cooperate closely and work with society to solve the problems.

cnhubei.com, Oct 8

An interview with local environment authorities will only be effective if it is totally transparent and made public in a timely manner, so there can be the participation of experts and representatives of the public. Besides, they should not be concluded until most representatives approve the actions promised by the interviewees. In order to persuade all officials to protect their local environment, such interviews can be broadcast live, leaving no wiggle room for those insincere officials who dream of muddling through.

Legal Daily, Oct 8

There is no need for the Ministry of Environmental Protection to "keep secret" some interviews with local leaders, because it actually held the talks on behalf of the local people. Quite the opposite, whether the interviewees can keep their promises in the future should be placed under public supervision. Disclosing relevant information of the interviews would both pressure and motivate local governments to do their part, catering to the necessity for extensive social participation and conveying the official determination to heal the environmental damage.

The Mirror, Oct 7

To improve the efficiency of the top-down talks requires severer punishments of local officials should they fail to fulfill their duties and commitments. They will only give priority to environmental protection when they are fully aware of their responsibility and the red line that local economic development must not cross.

cjn.cn, Oct 8