Plan to boost lifestyles in rural areas

A three-year action plan to improve rural living conditions will help see more effective and targeted measures in solving the most pressing problems in improving rural lives, experts said.

Li Zuojun, from the Research Institute for Resources and Environment Policies under the Development Research Center of the State Council, China's Cabinet, said that the recently released three-year action plan by central authorities to improve the rural living environment will help map a clear timetable and schedule for more concrete steps.

"Currently, the glaring issue in rural areas is the inadequate garbage sorting and sewage, and the new action plan is prioritizing tackling these issues," Li said.

On Feb 5, the General Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the General Office of the State Council unveiled the action plan. It aims to achieve remarkable improvements in the rural living environment by 2020. It includes keeping villages clean and tidy, and residents should have enhanced hygiene and health awareness.

Key tasks listed in the action plan include better garbage sorting, toilet upgrades, residential sewage treatments and village management.

Li pointed out that one reason for inadequate garbage sorting and sewage services is the low financial return.

"While the garbage and sewage problems exist in many rural regions, improving such facilities means comparatively little financial return. Thus, central authorities need to provide more financial support to local governments to improve this, while social funds as well as charity groups should also be encouraged to participate," Li said.