BEIJING, Sept. 5 (Xinhua) -- Beijing will strictly control construction of housing and animal farms in its western and northern suburbs in order to restore the green environment and tackle pollution in the city.
There are 2,800 square kilometers of low mountains in the western and northern suburbs, a key path for dispersing pollutants to the capital.
New land development projects in these areas will be strictly controlled, according to a regulation issued by the Beijing municipal commission of planning and land resources management.
Construction of vegetable sheds and animal farms will also be strictly managed and controlled, it said.
The Beijing government required more investment to recover the environment in these areas, repair dilapidated mining areas, and grow and maintain trees.
The regulation required harsh punishment for illegal construction and illegal land use.
Beijing is under heavy pressure to tackle pollution.
China's Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) said Beijing's smog, which often occurs in late autumn and winter, may arrive earlier this year.
