CHIANG MAI, 12 February 2015 – The northern province of Chiang Mai has called for a meeting with several related agencies to find ways to tackle the seasonal haze problem.
The meeting, held yesterday to discuss a plan to effectively prevent and reduce haze and forest fire problems, was chaired by Chana Paengpiboon, Chiang Mai deputy governor. Under the plan, which is to last 60 days, from February 15 to April 15, the province will closely monitor and control the cause of air pollution.
Participating agencies agreed in the meeting to strictly enforce ban the burning of waste, weeds and paddy stumps as well as forest during the 60-day period. Moreover, the province will soon launch a campaign to boost awareness of local residents and visitors on air pollution caused by smog.
Chiang Mai and other northern provinces have for years been facing problems of thick smog, caused by agricultural waste burning and forest fires, blanketing over the sky during the dry season. The problem has been worsening, affecting the tourism sector and locals’ health.
