CHENGDU, Feb. 15 (NBD) -- Cities in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region that reported air quality index above 500 consecutively last winter, including Shijiazhuang, Anyang, Handan, and Tangshan, will be required to limit steel output by 50 percent during this year's heating season, according to the work program for air pollution control in the region and surrounding areas in 2017. 

Public opinions on the document are being solicited in Beijing and Tianjin at present. 

The scheme also urges a 30 percent curtailment in electrolytic aluminium output and 50 percent reduction in aluminium oxide production this winter. 

Pharmaceuticals and pesticide manufacturers, unless otherwise approved, will be requested to stop production in the season. 

Air pollutant discharge of industrial enterprises in Hebei province will be an emphasis of pollution control, as industrial sources are the root cause of smog, said an environmental source.

Tougher measures are expected in the province, the source noted.  

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