Chongqing - Chongqing is enhancing safety through engineering improvements, better management, human oversight, and technology to reduce workplace fatalities by 5% annually by 2025, according to a press conference on February 14.

Dong Lin, Deputy Director of the Chongqing Emergency Management Bureau outlined key initiatives, including upgrading 4,000 kilometers of rural roads with safety measures by 2025, rectifying all unsafe self-built homes, replacing 3,300 kilometers of old gas pipelines, and reinforcing 12 high-risk reservoirs.

Workers are installing safety guardrails on rural roads. (Photo/Shangyou News)

Additionally, over 900 kilometers of stormwater drainage networks will be upgraded, and 1,227 aging urban residential communities—covering 30.11 million square meters—will undergo renovations to eliminate safety risks.

100% timely rectification rate for major accident hazards

Chongqing will also intensify inspections across key sectors, promote standardized safety management, and enhance technical support and public awareness campaigns. The city plans to crack down on fire and explosion hazards related to e-bikes, building insulation materials, and welding operations in densely populated areas, aiming for a 100% rectification rate for major safety risks.

Meanwhile, a multi-tiered regulatory system for hazardous chemicals will be established at municipal, district, and township levels, covering 80% of enterprises in the sector. Additionally, all active and under-construction mines will be integrated into an online monitoring system to strengthen safety oversight.

The city will expand safety training programs targeting key industries such as hazardous chemicals, mining, and manufacturing. More than 10,000 corporate executives, safety managers, and specialized personnel are expected to participate, while nearly 10,000 public safety education sessions will be held to enhance residents' risk awareness and self-protection skills.

Integrated emergency communication network linking satellite systems

Chongqing has also developed 20 smart safety management applications, including systems for hazardous chemical supervision, small business safety monitoring, and mine safety regulation.

Chongqing Emergency Management Bureau's hazardous chemicals safety production risk monitoring and early warning system platform. (Photo/Chongqing Emergency Management Bureau)

By 2025, the city aims to establish a database of at least five accident analysis models and upgrade monitoring capabilities for 4,208 small watersheds to improve geological disaster risk control. Advanced technologies, such as electronic geofencing, will be deployed to enhance emergency response coordination, ensuring efficient and timely evacuations.

Additionally, Chongqing is establishing an integrated air, space, and ground smart emergency communication and command system, fully equipped with satellite, BeiDou, and 370 MHz communication terminal devices, to strengthen command capabilities during power, network, and transportation disruptions.

The Chongqing Emergency Management Bureau will also collaborate with relevant authorities to mitigate everyday safety risks, including carbon monoxide poisoning from household heating, road traffic accidents, and fire hazards. These efforts aim to provide residents with safer and more efficient safety services. Dong emphasized that these initiatives are designed to create a safer living environment while enhancing residents' sense of security and well-being.