Surprise, Surprise! China OKs Coal Burning For Heat In 28 Polluted Northern Cities
You see, no one could have predicted the arrival of winter . . .
China's government has allowed some northern cities to burn coal in a temporary policy U-turn, as the country faces a heating crisis. Beijing had banned the use of coal for heating this winter in an ambitious plan to reduce pollution. Recent winters had seen heavy smog blanket China's northern region.
But millions are reportedly now left without proper heating, after failing to switch from coal to other fuels in time for winter. The coal ban has also reportedly led to a gas shortage as people rushed to switch to the alternative source, which has compounded the problem.
Chinese media reported on Thursday that the environment ministry had issued a directive to 28 cities across north-east China. The statement said the ministry had "discovered that in some areas, works to replace coal with electricity or gas had yet to finish according to plan, and there were anxieties about fuel sources to provide heating".
It said that such areas would be allowed to burn coal for heating, adding that in their transition away from coal, they must "continue to ensure that the number one principle should be keeping people warm in winter".
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Some residents have voiced concerns that the work to install heating systems simply wasn't carried out in time. Quyang resident Jin Zhanfeng told the BBC: "It's been crystal clear: it won't be done as planned. Even contractors are in no rush installing heating equipment." Others are silent. fearing eviction. In Beijing's Shunyi art district, a gas pipeline installation won't be completed until next year. "We can't complain, can't cause trouble to our compound," said a resident who asked to remain anonymous.
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http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-42266768