The Working Conference on total ban of fireworks in urban Yichang was held on the morning of December 25. It stated that the special operations targeting on “fireworks ban” would be launched intensively in the city from the day to February 22, 2016 (the 15th day of the lunar calendar of 2016).
Expanding Scope of Ban on Fireworks
The expanded restricted zones of displaying fireworks in Yichang from this July 1 cover all zones in Xiling District (including High-tech Zone of Xiling Administrative Area), Wujiagang District excluding Nanwan and Lingbao village of Wujia township, built-up areas of Xiaoxita town in Yiling District (whose government demarcates the specific areas), Dianjun District including its sub-districts, namely the administrative villages (community) ranging from Jiangnan Dadao Road, Wulong Road, Dianjun Dadao Road, Jiangcheng Dadao Road to No. 3 Wulong Road; and the administrative villages (communities) of its township government ranging from Niuzhaping village, Ziyang village, Lijiahe village, Zhushijie community, Wulong community, Hongguang community, Tanjiahe community, Qiaohe village of Aijia town, Liujia village and Dalishu community along the Yangtze River; Xiaoting District including administrative areas of the Gulaobei Sub-district Office, of Huya Sub-district Office (excluding Gaojia village and Gaohu village), of Yunchi Sub-district Office excluding Fushanchang village, and the waters ranging from the throat of Xiling Gorge to the junction between Xiaoting District and Baiyang town.
At any time the storage, sales and display of fireworks are prohibited in the restricted zones and no transition regions will be set up near these zones. The Department for Safety Supervision will revoke the licenses for fireworks business (retail) and make a public announcement through news and media; moreover, it will notify the Yichang Ministry of Commerce and Industry to cancel those licenses and adjust the business scope prior to January 15, 2016. The rest of fireworks will be evaluated and recycled by some relevant wholesale enterprises organized by the Department.
“Eight Rules for All” against Violation of Setting off Fireworks
Yichang would establish the rigid enforcement mechanism for “total ban on firecrackers” and highlight the “Eight Rules for All” which are stipulated as follows: First, those who violate the rules to set off fireworks in the restricted zones must be ordered to halt and confiscated the remaining fireworks; second, those who are still hostile and non-cooperative must be supposed to get legal education at the police station; third, those who have made severe violation against regulations with baneful influence must be fined and given penalties of administrative detention in accordance with law; fourth, those who illegally sell fireworks must be strictly punished according to Fireworks Safety Management Regulations; fifth, those who sell and stockpile fireworks in the areas of inflammables and explosives, or of intensive population, such as the public places and residential quarters, endanger the public security and constitute the crime of violating the public security government regulations must be imposed administrative detention by public security organs; sixth, those who have violated the criminal must be given criminal sanctions according to the relevant law; seventh，those who carry fireworks into public places or public vehicles that hazards public security with the violation against the regulations of its management must be imposed administrative detention by public security organs; Eighth, restaurant and hotel proprietors who fail to comply the due duty to dissuade the customers from displaying fireworks that results in the unpleasant amenities of the city must be dealt with seriously in accordance with the policy.
Farewell to Cob Brick Kilns
“The fundamental way to shut down cob brick kilns was no other than through prohibition in combination with supporting, ensuring that people can lead a secure life without worries,” said Zhao Hongxing, vice secretary of Baiyang Town Committee. Taking into consideration of the villagers’ actual production and living conditions, they determined to guide them and grant them support funds in changing the line of production or reemployment, making efforts to mitigate the impact of the closure of cob brick kilns on their life.
This April saw the well-placed distribution of 9.89million yuan support funds in changing the line of production (reemployment). Shuai Yiming said, “The Municipal Government of Yichang made substantial efforts to help the people in this regard and closed cob brick kilns to protect our living surroundings, so we have no reason to argue again.”
Currently, there were 38 cob brick kilns and 29 sheds for unburnt bricks in Shanxiyao village completely closed with overall demolition of production mechanical equipment and electricity facilities. The villagers who sell finished products purchased in other places or work in the nearby factories can still lead prosperous lives. Shuai Yiming expressed that the disappearance of cob brick kilns gave ways to the reappearance of white clouds, blue sky and beautiful hills, which is priceless. “The closure of cob brick kilns resulted in the improvement of Yichang’s environmental pollution. We need to make economic development while keeping a green environment. Regardless of how hard to control the air pollution, we resolve to manage it and overcome difficulties!” remarked Huang Chuping, a Standing Committee Member of the Hubei Provincial Party Committee and Secretary of the Yichang Municipal Party Committee. (From People’s Daily of 28th Nov., by Cheng Yuanzhou)