Beijing is expected to include smog on its list of meteorological disasters in the draft of a new prevention and control regulation that entered its third review at the 14th session of the Standing Committee of the People's Congress of Beijing, held on Nov. 23.

The categorization of smog reflects Beijing's resolution to contain and prevent smog. However, the decision has been controversial.

Neighboring Tianjin and Hebei province have already classified smog in their regulations, so Beijing should take the same step to better coordinate the prevention of air pollution, some reports argue. At the same time, the State Council has yet to list smog as a meteorological disaster at the national level.

According to the draft, serious consequences caused by mistakes in broadcasting about meteorological disasters will be punished. The draft prohibits organisations and individuals from publishing reports on meteorological disasters, punishable by fines.