• 地點:臺灣
• 發布日期: 2024/03/25
• 單位:其他
• 更新日期:2024/03/25
• 點閱次數:21

With the approach of the Qingming Festival (Tomb Sweeping Day), the Ministry of Environment urges the public to cooperate with the "Donate Instead of Burning Joss Paper" and "Centralized Burning of Joss Paper" measures implemented by various county and city governments. This is to avoid indiscriminate outdoor burning of paper money, which can lead to fires and generate large amounts of air pollutants. By doing so, individuals can protect their health and contribute to carbon reduction and pollution reduction efforts for the environment. Moreover, compliance helps prevent potential penalties under the Air Pollution Control Act and mitigate the risk of inadvertently causing fires, which could result in civil or criminal liabilities.

According to the Ministry of Environment, the traditional tomb sweeping period is approaching, which also marks the end of the annual winter and spring air pollution season. Despite efforts to improve air quality, specific weather conditions still contribute to instances of poor air quality. The burning of joss paper during tomb sweeping rituals exacerbates air pollution, further deteriorating air quality. This strain on air quality not only impacts firefighters but also hampers their ability to respond effectively to other emergencies. In response, the Ministry of Environment, in collaboration with various county and city governments, promotes environmentally friendly practices such as "Donate Instead of Burning Joss Paper," encouraging the public to utilize convenience store self-service kiosks to donate money rather than burning joss paper. Last year, the cumulative amount donated exceeded NT$64 million. This initiative not only supports environmental conservation efforts but also allows individuals to honor their ancestors, effectively achieving two objectives with one action.

In addition to these efforts, county and city governments continue to implement various environmental protection measures during the Qingming Festival period. For instance, all administrative regions throughout the nation offer "Centralized Burning of Joss Paper Services." For detailed information, individuals can contact the competent environmental authorities of their respective counties and cities. Furthermore, Hsinchu City, Yunlin County, and Lienchiang County are promoting campaigns to "Reduce Incense Use." Concurrently, the Environmental Protection Bureau, Fire Bureau, Civil Affairs Department, and Police Bureau of Pingtung County execute the "Qingming Festival Period Fire Safety Preparation Guidance Plan" to enhance inspections, fire prevention, and public awareness. Additionally, online ancestral worship services are available. The public are encourged to refer to the information provided by their respective local governments to choose the method most suited to their needs.

The Ministry of Environment emphasizes that outdoor burning is strictly prohibited under the Air Pollution Control Act and may result in fines ranging from NT$1,200 to NT$100,000. To monitor such activities, the ministry is utilizing satellite technology, while local environmental authorities have implemented AI-powered smoke detection systems at strategic locations. These systems operate round-the-clock, scanning areas 360 degrees for signs of outdoor burning and immediately alerting authorities for inspection. In acknowledging tomb-sweeping and ancestral worship as cherished traditions, local environmental authorities prioritize advocacy and persuasion to deter such practices. However, if a fire erupts due to burning joss paper, particularly under severe circumstances, offenders may face criminal charges for endangering public safety and civil liabilities. Therefore, the public is urged to exercise caution.