Hebei officials punished for failing to curb pollution

200 factories were closed, while 123 people were detained after inspections last year

Nearly 500 government officials and company leaders in Hebei province have been held accountable for environment-related issues, according to the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

An inspection team sent by the central government found problems with 468 government officials and 19 company managers, including dereliction of duty and abuse of power.