Tongzhou district in Nantong made significant strides in improving air quality in the past year of 2024. The district achieved an average PM2.5 concentration of 25.5 micrograms per cubic meter, ranking second in Jiangsu. As of Dec 10 in 2024, the district recorded 308 days of good air quality, 21 more than the previous year, with an impressive air quality compliance rate of 89.3 percent, the highest in the province.

The district's success stems from its commitment to ongoing efforts in combating air pollution. Tongzhou has embraced advanced technologies such as mobile air patrols, laser radar scanning, and drone-based detection to monitor air quality. Micro-stations have been strategically deployed around national and provincial monitoring sites, enabling comprehensive early-warning systems, mobile monitoring, and an integrated online network that covers the entire district.

Effective environmental regulation also played a crucial role. Enhanced oversight was applied to fireworks bans, construction dust control, and straw burning prohibitions, creating a highly efficient regulatory network to strengthen pollution control efforts.

Since 2024, 66 enterprises have been included in the district's regulatory green list, with 19 receiving penalty exemption notices. Additionally, nine enterprises were guided to qualify for higher grades (A or B) in heavy pollution performance assessments. These measures have fostered a differentiated regulatory approach, encouraging businesses to adopt innovative pollution control and emission reduction practices.

The blue sky is a common sight in Tongzhou due to efficient efforts in combating air pollution. [Photo/Nantong Daily]