Beijing court involves polluters in restoring environment

Various measures are taken by a court in Beijing to restore the environment whenever it handles relevant cases, as it makes great efforts to minimize the damage caused by pollution and enhance the legal and environmental awareness of both defendants and the public.

"While handling environmental cases, we've placed great emphasis on the quality of trials and legal education, ensuring that polluting enterprises realize the importance of a good environment for sustainable economic development," Wang Jing, vice-president of the Beijing No 4 Intermediate People's Court, said on Wednesday.

He said that the court has not only clarified the legal liabilities of polluting companies during case handling, but also required them to shoulder social responsibilities in environmental protection.

For instance, in a case where a social organization sued a water service company, the defendant, in addition to complying with the court's ruling, established a 100,000-square-meter natural conservation base on the west side of a wetland park it managed, according to him.

"Now, the once polluted reservoir has been revitalized and become a model project for harmonious coexistence between human and nature," he added.

In his opinion, having those who harm the environment take part in restoration and related activities is key to promoting environmental protection and economic development.

"For example, some defendants were ordered to create lawns and plant public welfare forests to directly increase urban green spaces, purify the air, regulate the climate and conserve water and soil," he said. "Some polluting companies were urged to build public charging stations in urban areas to help improve infrastructure and encourage green travel, thereby reducing exhaust pollution at the source."

Additionally, he added that the court has adhered to the principle of prevention by exploring preventive judicial measures during case proceedings, aiming to address potential environmental harm before any polluting actions take place or lead to serious consequences.

Data released by the court showed that it has handled 61 civil public interest lawsuits involving the environment since 2015, covering areas such as air, soil and water. Of these, 43 were initiated by social organizations.