Fireworks to worsen smog over much of China during holiday break
Mix of weather conditions and traditional fireworks mean many parts of the country will suffer air pollution over the Lunar New Year holiday, forecasters say
Some regions of China could suffer heavy pollution because of fireworks and unfavourable weather conditions during Lunar New Year celebrations, despite a ban on firecrackers in more than 400 cities, the Ministry of Environmental Protection warned.
“Some regions are likely to see heavy or even severe air pollution because of intense fireworks and firecrackers,” said the ministry in a statement late on Tuesday.
Lunar, or Chinese New Year, which starts on February 15 this year, is China’s most important holiday and families and revellers traditionally celebrate with several nights of fireworks and firecrackers. The cacophony is believed to drive away bad spirits and usher in an auspicious start to the year.
Smog-prone northern China, including the capital city of Beijing, is expected to see heavy pollution from Thursday to Saturday, said the environment ministry.
Severe air pollution is also likely in Heilongjiang and Liaoning provinces in northeastern China; Anhui and Zhejiang provinces in the east, Sichuan and the Xinjiang region in the west, and also some regions in southern China, it said.
Industrial plants would typically be ordered to cut production during days of heavy smog, but most factories have already closed for the holidays.
Some businesses will extend the holiday until March 3, although the official holiday period lasts until February 21.
