Six Billion Yuan to Shelter Beijing from SandstormsMore than six billion yuan will be used in the next ten years to protect the Chinese capital from sandstorms, according to the State Forestry Administration.The government will put the protection of Beijing as its top priority in its battle against sandstorms and desertification. The protected zone will cover an area of 260,000 sq km, involving 84 counties around Beijing and neighboring cities. A total of 4.3 million ha will be afforested and protected in this region, according to the state's plan. Sandstorms have battered Beijing frequently this year, hitting the city 11 times between March and April. Scientists blame the worsening situation on the increasing desertification in northern China. |
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