Soil pollution prevention rules eyed

Legislation on controlling and preventing soil pollution across the country is being considered by China's top legislative body, a National People's Congress environmental official said on Thursday.

"Rules and laws relating to air and water pollution have been passed, but legislation concerning the soil industry is still blank," said Yuan Si, deputy director of the NPC's Environmental Protection and Resources Conservation Committee.

Addressing this omission is urgent for the nation's overall environmental protection strategy, and in addressing food safety and sustainable national development, Yuan said during a news conference.

The Ministry of Environment is assessing a draft proposal currently, "and we'll plan to submit it to the NPC's Standing Committee next year for discussion," he said.