The investigation results of the Cai Guoqiang fireworks show incident are out. Local officials including the Party Secretary and County Magistrate of Jiangzi County have been dismissed and are under investigation. Cai Guoqiang’s studio is being investigated, and both the studio and the event sponsor “Master Bird” are held accountable for ecological damage compensation and restoration responsibilities.
On October 15th, Tibet’s Shigatse City reported that on September 19th at 4:30 pm, Beijing’s Cai Guoqiang Art Studio organized and implemented the “Cai Guoqiang: Rising Dragon” fireworks show at the Chaqionggar Mountain in Rilong Township, Jiangzi County. The fireworks were set off in an area ranging from 4670 to 5020 meters above sea level, affecting an area of 30.06 hectares with 1050 pots of fireworks set off lasting approximately 52 seconds.
The report indicates that the leveling operations, personnel trampling, and vehicle rolling have caused damage to the soil and grass layer, with a damaged area of 15.29 mu. The cleanup of fireworks residues, plastic debris, and others was found to be insufficient. The instantaneous bright light and loud noise from the fireworks caused short-term disturbances to wildlife.
Beijing’s Cai Guoqiang Art Studio is under investigation and is responsible for ecological damage compensation and restoration. The fireworks show sponsor, the “Master Bird” brand, will also share in the ecological damage compensation and restoration responsibilities.
According to the announcement, the fireworks show activity was approved without authorization by the main leaders of Jiangzi County Committee and County Government. Chen Hao, the Party Secretary of Jiangzi County, has been dismissed and is under investigation, while Diji Pula, the County Magistrate, has also been dismissed. Several officials, including the Minister of Publicity, Deputy County Magistrate, Public Security Bureau Chief, and the local Ecological Environment Sub-Bureau Director, are being held accountable.
On September 19th, the renowned high-end outdoor brand “Master Bird” collaborated with the famous mainland artist Cai Guoqiang to ignite a large fireworks show in the Himalayas of Tibet, which some public opinions believed to be damaging to the environment.
Amidst continuous questioning and criticism from netizens, on September 21st, Cai Guoqiang and “Master Bird” both issued apology letters. On the same day, the Tibet authorities announced the establishment of an investigation team to verify the incident.