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BEIJING -- Beijing failed to meet a key pollution reduction target last year with annual average density of PM2.5 down four percent, less than the five percent target, the city's mayor said on Friday.
PM2.5 refers to fine particles measuring less than 2.5 micrometers in diameter and can be inhaled deep into human lungs, posing severe health hazards.
The Chinese capital has become increasingly susceptible to choking smog in recent years, partly due to the rise of PM2.5 density in the atmosphere.
The PM2.5 reduction target will remain at five percent for this year and the municipal government plans to spend 10.8 billion yuan (1.76 billion U.S. dollars) to tackle air pollution, said Beijing Mayor Wang Anshun during the city legislature's annual session on Friday.
The municipal government vowed stringent enforcement of environment protection laws and regulations this year and will initiate charges on clearing particles emitted from construction sites.
The municipal government also pledges greater fiscal support for pollution control. The local legislature will also review enforcement of a pollution reduction guideline that went effective in March last year.
