BEIJING — China’s central government has organized a second group of inspection teams who will review local-government environmental protection efforts, the latest move in fighting pollution and environmental degradation.

Seven inspection teams will be dispatched to seven provincial regions including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangdong starting on Nov 24, the Ministry of Environmental Protection said on Nov 24.

The inspection will last about one month, said the ministry.

China had held more than 3,000 governmental officials accountable for lazy environmental protection efforts by the end of September, following the first round inspections.

Punishments include removal from official posts.

The officials were held accountable for activities including using land in natural reserves for city construction purposes, as well as worsening air and water quality.