In little more than a week, the authorities in Beijing have issued a second pollution red alert.
According to reports, the Chinese capital will see hazardous smog from Saturday until Tuesday, the BBC quoted the Beijing Meteorological Service.
National Meteorological Centre said that nationwide, the smog will affect a vast area from Xian in central China to Harbin in the north-east would. The latest alert has bearing on vehicular movement, use of factories and buildings.
The government has promised to take action to address often dangerous levels of pollution.
Authorities released a map showing that heavy smog would blanket a swathe of the country spanning nearly 2,000km (1,200 miles), encompassing at least 12 major cities, with Beijing and nearby city Shijiazhuang heaviest hit.
The other cities would experience medium or lesser levels of smog.
The news was greeted with exasperation and worry among Chinese citizens online. “Here we go again!” said Weibo user JingjingchuchuV.
“I really don’t know what the government is doing? It can predict the smog but not take the appropriate measures beforehand, rather it’s letting the smog harm citizens,” said Beijingpuer.