Whistleblowers who alert authorities about major environmental violations will soon be eligible for rewards of up to 500,000 yuan (US$76,450) from the present ceiling of 50,000 yuan.

The increase is based on an amended version of the Shanghai ecological and environmental violation tip-off rewards rule which takes effect on June 5, World Environment Day, said the Shanghai Bureau of Ecology and Environment.

The version also expands the scope of violations for tip-off eligible for rewards to include soil pollution, medical waste and water source pollution.

The reward amount is based on hazard levels and the amount of fines imposed on offenders, and will rise if suspension of production, detention and crimes are involved.

For simple cases, the reward amount ranges from 1,000 to 10,000 yuan.

The amended version aims to encourage tip-offs to help authorities locate and crack down on irregularities more efficiently.

Tips can be made via 12345, a 24-hour government-run public service hotline,12369, the environmental protection tip-off hotline, the “12369 environmental protection tip-off” WeChat account or the environment bureau’s website.