A team led by Ding Zhongli, vice-chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), inspected the enforcement of the Yangtze River Protection Law in Northwest China's Qinghai province from July 17 to 20.

The team heard report on the law enforcement and held meetings with lawmakers, experts, scholars and grassroots officers. They also conducted field surveys on a wide range of initiatives related to the Yangtze River protection. 

At the provincial department of ecology and environment, the team observed ecological condition in the headwater regions of the river via video link. They visited the Sanjiangyuan area to review programs on ecological culture, protection of plants and animals, and wetland conservation. In Yushu Tibet autonomous prefecture, the team also inspected post-earthquake reconstruction, soil and water conservation, and urban greening efforts.

Recognizing the achievements Qinghai has made in the Yangtze River protection, Ding said it's important to take solid and specific measures to improve supporting regulations and policies, highlight biodiversity protection, and strengthen water pollution prevention and control in pursuing green development.

He called for close coordination among departments and between upstream and downstream areas to address issues including fishing and sand mining on river channels and strictly control agricultural non-point source pollution. He also underscored endeavors to promote publicity of the law and enhance accountability system, in a bid to advance the Yangtze River protection to a new level.