The Beijing government plans to reduce the average annual density of PM2.5 to 60 micrograms per cubic meter in 2017, 15 percent less than levels recorded in 2016.
PM2.5 refers to tiny particles, measuring less than 2.5 microns, which form some of the most dangerous pollution. The particles can sink deep into a person's lungs and even affect other organs in the body.
Beijing's Acting Mayor Cai Qi made the announcement at the 5th session of the 14th Municipal People's Congress on Saturday.
To control air pollution, authorities will introduce clean energy in 700 villages, ensuring zero coal-burning in downtown areas and on the plains in the south.
Some 300,000 old vehicles will also be removed from roads by the end of this year.
Peng Yingdeng, researcher at the National Research Center of Urban Environment Pollution Control Engineering Techniques, said the target will be difficult to realize, but it shows the determination of the government to control air pollution.
China's national standard for average density of PM2.5 is 35 micrograms per cubic meter, while the international standard set by the World Health Organization is 10.
After years of efforts, PM2.5 density in Beijing has seen a steady drop from 89.5 in 2013 to 73 last year.
(Source: CRI)
