Fines for polluters reach $16m

Capital's performance on reducing PM2.5 concentration fell short of target last year

The punishments levied for environmental violations amounted to more than 100 million yuan ($16.1 million) in Beijing last year, the city government said during the annual session of the Municipal People's Congress.

Since an action plan to control air pollution was issued by the government on March 1, fines for environmental violations reached 105 million yuan by the end of last year, three times more than in 2013, according to a report by the municipal government.