Man sues Hebei govt agency over air pollution  

Li Guixin, the first Chinese person to file a lawsuit against a local government agency over air pollution, is showing a bill of complaint in front of a court in Shijiazhuang, Hebei province. (Photo source: Yanzhao Metropolis Daily)

(ECNS) -- A resident of Shijiazhuang, Hebei province, has filed a lawsuit against the city's environmental department for failing to improve air quality in the region, the Yanzhao Metropolis Daily reported on Tuesday.

Li Guixin is the first Chinese person to file a complaint against a local government agency over air pollution.

"Shijiazhuang has been shrouded with severe smog since last December," Li said. "Even though I bought masks and an air cleaner for my family, we are still unhealthy, and I have started coughing."

Li said he once tried to persuade his family to move to another city, but failed. "My family said they were used to living here and were reluctant to leave."

Li became determined to sue the environmental department and started collecting air quality data online.

Shijiazhuang's average air pollution index in 2013 stood at a "hazardous" level of 247, said Li, citing his own research.

Official statistics show that Shijiazhuang had only 45 days of clean air in 2013.

"I want to make the public understand that ordinary people are bearing the brunt of air pollution caused by profit-driven businesses," Li said, adding that the government collects taxes and should do something to improve air quality.

Li has hired a lawyer named Wu Yufen to handle the case pro bono.

"As a volunteer lawyer, I have the obligation to help victims of environmental degradation," said Wu. "The case is also closely related to me as a resident of Shijiazhuang, so I am willing to offer support."

Li has demanded that the environmental department take measures to improve air quality in the city, pay 10,000 yuan (US$1,630) in compensation for his economic losses caused by air pollution, and shoulder all legal costs related to the case.

His complaint was rejected both by the High People's Court of Hebei Province and the Shijiazhuang Intermediate People's Court, so he filed a suit at the people's court in Yuhua district of Shijiazhuang.

The court accepted Li's file last Thursday. It will decide whether to hear the case in seven working days.