Anti-smog campaign continues in north

China launched its largest operation to control air pollution in northern regions on Wednesday, using more than 5,600 inspectors to push the areas to meet ambitious pollution reduction targets this year.

Unlike the nationwide inspections conducted last year, headed by the State Council, the yearlong, intensified inspection is being led by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The 5,600-plus inspectors will keep a spotlight on governments and companies in 28 major cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region and the neighboring provinces of Henan, Shanxi and Shandong, which are susceptible to heavy smog, the ministry said.