BEIJING -- Up to 283 people had been held accountable for environmental damage during the latest inspections by China's central authorities, the Ministry of Ecology and Environment said Friday.

As of Jan 25, inspection teams sent by the central government have dealt with public complaints concerning 8,766 cases, according to the ministry.

Fines imposed during the campaign amounted to 182.13 million yuan (about  $28.15 million), and a total of 243 people have been detained.

The inspections, launched in late August last year, covered three provincial regions, namely Beijing, Tianjin and Zhejiang, and two centrally-administered state-owned enterprises. Pilot inspections have also been carried out in two government departments.

The inspections are part of China's efforts to fight pollution and environmental degradation as the country strives to push forward more environmentally-friendly development over the years.