Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has signed a State Council decree unveiling a regulation on administration of pollutant discharge permits amid efforts to improve environmental protection.

The new regulation, which will come into effect on March 1, is expected to standardize permit application procedures, improve discharge management, tighten supervision and clarify the responsibilities of enterprises and public institutions.

The decree determines that institutions or businesses involved in the discharge of pollutants must apply for permits. And they will be classified based on factors including the amount of pollutant emissions and environmental impact.

Pollutant outlets, discharge methods, and destination of the pollutants must be kept in accordance with permit provisions, the order states.

Pollutant discharging units must include automatic monitoring equipment, keep the original monitoring records, and disclose pollutant emission information, the act says.

On another note, the document also says environmental protection authorities should strengthen the supervision of pollutant discharging activities to ensure they comply with the provisions of the permits.

Stringent punishments will be imposed on violators, according to the regulation.

(With input from Xinhua)