Gyeonggi Province Implements Emergency Fine Dust Reduction Measures on March 17

Gyeonggi Provincial Government began implementing emergency reduction measures from 6:00 a.m. on March 17, following the issuance of a “concern” level fine dust crisis alert. This is the second time this year that emergency reduction measures have been implemented, with the previous instance occurring on February 13.

Earlier, the Ministry of Climate issued a “concern” level fine dust crisis alert for the metropolitan area (Gyeonggi, Seoul, and Incheon) and South Chungcheong Province at 5:00 p.m. on March 16.

This round of emergency reduction measures was issued because the average daily concentration of fine dust exceeded 50㎍/㎥ on this day, and the concentration is forecasted to exceed 50㎍/㎥ again on March 17.

When emergency reduction measures are in effect, only odd-numbered vehicles—except for vehicles for people with disabilities, pregnant women, and those carrying infants and children, as well as special-purpose vehicles and eco-friendly vehicles such as electric, hydrogen, solar-powered, and hybrid cars—may be operated by administrative and public institutions.

Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Major fine dust-emitting businesses in the province, including public facilities such as waste incineration plants, are required to adjust operating rates, shorten operating hours, and take steps to improve facility efficiency.

Construction sites must take measures to suppress fugitive dust, such as adjusting work hours and covering dust-generating areas, and are especially required to clean roads within urban areas.

Additionally, inspections and supervision of automotive emissions, idling, businesses, and construction sites will be strengthened, along with enhanced monitoring and enforcement against illegal incineration.

Cha Seongsu, Director General of Climate, Environment, and Energy at Gyeonggi Provincial Government, stated, “As this is the second time emergency reduction measures have been issued due to high concentrations of fine dust this year, we plan to thoroughly implement reduction measures by sector. We also request that residents refrain from outdoor activities, wear masks, and avoid actions that contribute to air pollution in accordance with the guidelines for responding to high concentrations of fine dust.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.