China will publish a list of its 10 worst – and best – cities for air pollution each month, a top leader said recently, as the country pushes officials to dispel a persistent smog crisis that is fuelling public anger.

Vice-Premier Zhang Gaoli said the move would help cities meet targets for cleaning up their air and promote more environmentally-friendly economic growth, the central government said on its website (www.gov.cn).

It did not say when publication of the lists would start.

“Local government must accept responsibility for air quality, and the state will publish every month a list of the 10 worst and 10 best cities for air pollution,” the statement quoted Zhang saying.

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