BEIJING, March 3 (Xinhua) -- The Ministry of Environmental Protection (MEP) plans to set up three departments dedicated to water, air and soil protection, according to a statement released by the ministry Thursday.

The current departments of pollution prevention and control, and pollution emission control will be revoked, it said, adding the plan was already approved by the central authority in February 2015.

The move is vital for implementing the authority's requirement of strengthening environmental protection and improving environmental quality, the ministry said.

Research has been conducted in the past year, it said, adding a detailed plan will be unveiled after all preparation is finished.