Beijing will award those who report environmental violations starting in April, authorities said Friday, as the capital tightens supervision amid worsening environmental woes.

Whistleblowers will be awarded between 2,000 yuan (308.8 U.S. dollars) and 50,000 yuan for providing tip-offs on 17 types of "illegal behavior damaging the environment," according to a fresh regulation, the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau said.

The "illegal behavior" includes air and water pollution, mishandling of radioactive waste and the use of materials that damage the ozone layer, according to the bureau.

Other environmental violations unlisted in the regulation can also be reported, with each whistleblower awarded 100 yuan.

The reports, which must be real-name, can be conducted by mail or express delivery, via the bureau's official website, or in person.

Beijing faces daunting tasks against environmental pollution, particularly air pollution, with the capital city frequently smothered in toxic haze.