More efforts are required to combat pollution and protect the ecology of Zhaotong, a city in Southwest China's Yunnan province, an ecological security barrier in the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

Zhaotong boasts 393 tributaries of the Yangtze River within its territory, and is the source of the Chishui River. "Adhering to the idea that 'the root of water problems lies on land', we have focused on controlling pollution and keeping water quality stable to ensure that clean water flows out of Zhaotong," said Yang Chengxin, a deputy to the National People's Congress, who is also mayor of the city.

According to him, Zhaotong made achievements in its green development last year, as it kept good air and water quality, pioneered exploring and promoting innovative patterns of controlling rural domestic sewage, and developed clean energy industry.

This year, the city will step up efforts to protect its ecology, control pollution, and promote green and low-carbon development, he said.