Raise in penalties for lake polluters

SHANGHAI: Factories along Taihu Lake, Jiangsu province, now face a maximum fine of 1 million yuan ($144,000), five times the old one, if they discharge excessive pollutants into the lake.

A new regulation on the prevention and control of water pollution that seeks to raise environmental standards will take effect today.

The regulation was approved by the standing committee of Jiangsu provincial people's congress last year.