Chapter 256 Issue 1 (5)

After Jiang Ningyue pointed out the issue of Baihe River pollution, Xia Baohua's mind began to race. A struggle was brewing in his mind, he was struggling over whether to pretend to obey or to fight to the end.

If the current provincial party secretary was still Secretary Shen, then Xia Baohua would definitely fight to the end. Of course, if it was Secretary Shen, there would be no such program at all.

However, if Baihe City is acting in a hypocritical manner, it will also have a certain impact on Baihe City. At the very least, after hearing Xia Baohua's speech, many investors who are waiting on the sidelines may not invest in Baihe City because of Baihe City's pollution control efforts.

So many companies are willing to settle in Baihe, isn't it because of the local government's protection and the fact that they can pollute without being fined?

You know, back when Secretary Shen and Governor Ouyang were in office, Xia Baohua had stood up to the Central Environmental Protection Inspection Team! Even when reporters from "Focus Interview" arrived with cameras, Xia Baohua withstood the pressure and only dealt with the former director of the Baihe City Environmental Protection Bureau in a symbolic manner.

However, things change over time. The thing that was praised by Secretary Shen for being able to withstand the pressure was now openly criticized and he was even forced to question him by a young man who was only 26 or 27 years old!

What a shame! What a shame!

Xia Baohua took the microphone and said calmly, "Minister Li, supervisors, and everyone in the audience, I'd like to explain that since I became mayor, Baihe City has invested in the construction of several sewage treatment plants. Two of these plants are already operational. However, due to the large number of factories in Baihe City, the treatment capacity of these plants is limited. I believe that if the Baihe Municipal Government is given more time, the environment in Baihe City will definitely improve significantly."

Jiang Ningyue picked up the microphone and said, "The central government has repeatedly stressed the need to improve the system of ecological civilization, coordinate efforts to reduce carbon emissions, minimize pollution, expand green areas, and promote growth, actively respond to climate change, and accelerate the improvement of the systems and mechanisms for implementing the concept that green mountains and clear waters are invaluable assets. With the entire nation united, the Baihe Municipal Government is so permissive of local businesses discharging wastewater directly into the Baihe River and its tributaries. Aren't you afraid of being criticized by the public? Come, everyone, watch this short video!"

Xia Baohua was about to say something, but Jiang Ningyue didn't give him a chance and turned off his microphone. Helplessly, Xia Baohua could only look up at the video.

This three-minute video shows the Baihe River brimming with life and crystal clear. It's a stark contrast to the current deep green, or even black, water, and the contrast is incredibly striking.

Many people were talking about it and were very indignant.

Jiang Ningyue said, "This is a promotional video shot by the Baihe Municipal Government in 2014. It can still be found online. Seven years have made a world of difference. Mayor Xia, what do you have to say about this?"

Xia Baohua calmly replied, "These are just the growing pains of economic development. Our Baihe government has always strived to balance economic development with environmental protection. However, since our Baihe government implemented reforms and introduced environmental protection measures, Baihe's GDP has grown from 136.8 billion yuan in 2013 to 340.9 billion yuan today. Baihe's per capita disposable income has increased from 33,000 yuan to 65,000 yuan today. This is all due to economic development."

Everyone at the scene scoffed at this, saying it was simply a fallacy. It was obvious that the local government was disregarding people's livelihood and environmental protection for the sake of GDP.

Jiang Ningyue smiled after hearing this and turned to look at Li Weimin, the director of the Environmental Protection Department. "Director Li, do you agree with what Mayor Xia said?"

Li Weimin picked up the microphone and slowly began, "Environmental protection is a prerequisite for sustainable economic development. A healthy and stable ecological environment is the foundation of economic activity, and environmental damage will have long-term impacts on economic development. Local governments should prioritize economic development and not focus solely on short-term gains while ignoring long-term interests."

Jiang Ningyue looked at Wei Zhiming, "Director Wei, what do you think?"

Wei Zhiming said, "I agree with Director Li. Ordinary people might think that working in a factory now earns more than farming, so even if the factory pollutes, it doesn't matter. However, the government can't be so short-sighted! The government must provide correct guidance! Pollution of a river is very simple. As you can see in the video just now, a once clear river can become turbid and foul-smelling in just one or two years. However, repairing it will take several years, or even more than ten years. The cost is far greater than the benefits!"

Jiang Ningyue nodded. "Then Director Wei, Director Li, do you have any solution?"

Wei Zhiming said, "If the Baihe Municipal Government doesn't issue the full document, then our Water Resources Department will work with the Environmental Protection Department to issue a document requiring all factories that directly discharge wastewater to suspend operations and rectify the situation! They can resume operations when they meet the requirements!"

Jiang Ningyue glanced at Xia Baohua, who had a cold face, and chuckled, "Mayor Xia, if you have any ideas, you can just tell us directly. It's okay. This is a platform for solving problems. You can speak freely and tell the truth."

Xia Baohua couldn't hold back any longer. With a cold expression, he picked up the microphone and said, "Our Baihe Municipal Government has always attached great importance to environmental protection. As I said earlier, it's not that we won't address it, but we will address it in an orderly manner. The sewage treatment plant is also under steady construction and is gradually being put into operation. You can't just make a blanket decision! Our 3.8 million residents in Baihe City need development, jobs, and food. I am the primary person responsible! We, the Baihe Municipal Government, do not accept or agree to your proposal!"

If it wasn't probably a live broadcast, Xia Baohua might have smashed the microphone and left.

Everyone was also shocked by Xia Baohua's tough attitude, and there was silence at the scene.

Li Weimin and Wei Zhiming exchanged glances. Is this guy really that brave? He dares to make such a clear rebuttal during a live broadcast? Can you at least pretend? After the live broadcast, if you say you don't want to, can we still point a gun at you?

After Xia Baohua finished speaking, he realized what had happened to him. Why did he blurt out his true feelings as if possessed by a ghost?

After all, he was the mayor, so Xia Baohua immediately realized what was happening and said, "Well, Supervisor, I'm going to issue a military order on our show! We will definitely be able to properly resolve this issue before the Chinese New Year. Directors Li and Wei, please understand that if these factories were shut down, the impact would be enormous. This affects the livelihoods of tens of thousands of families, so we must proceed with caution!"

Xia Baohua looked like he was doing this for the sake of the people in his jurisdiction. Adding to his previous expression, what else could Wei Zhiming and Li Weimin say? They could only nod slightly.

Jiang Ningyue remained expressionless, her heart completely still. She calmly said, "Okay, now please invite the 30 judges to vote!"

"Clatter..."

Out of 30 reviewers, 20 voted 'unsatisfactory'!