Trees, grass, clean water improve the quality of life

Residents in Jilin city now enjoy better living conditions as authorities in the second-largest city in Northeast China's Jilin province take a range of initiatives to improve the local environment.

The Longtan Mountains, the largest scenic spot in the city, have shown noticeable improvements since the provincial and city governments decided to restore its ecology in 2011.

"Large squirrels were rarely seen in the past," said a local visitor surnamed Yu as he displayed pictures he had just taken. The 66-year-old man said he now visits and takes pictures on the mountains at least once a month.

East of downtown Jilin, the mountain range is covered with forests with the Songhua River running by its base.

"There are many visitors but the squirrels are playing happily. And this is really great," said Yu.

Fu Hanjun, deputy chief of the landscaping department, said the city has "invested a lot to protect the environment over the past years".

"The fact that we can see more squirrels and birds indicates the environment is getting better."

Fu said the government is starting the second phase of a project at the Longtan Mountains to consolidate infrastructure for visitors. The first phase was finished in August 2012 with the focus on excavating and renovating remains of some historical buildings in the area.

Another example of environmental protection efforts by local authorities is control of pollution in the Songhua River.

Li Zuze, an official at the city's development and reform commission, said "it is our obligation to curb and prevent water pollution as Jilin city is located at the upper reaches of the river".

Li said a project began in May to improve the water quality in Songhua Lake, a reservoir on the upper reaches of the river.

Nine sewage treatment plants are now operating and preparations are underway for 10 similar facilities to begin operation next year, he said.

Li said that local authorities have also strengthened supervision on industrial wastewater discharges. He said the efforts have paid off and now local residents enjoy a cleaner river and better views.

Wang Yuzhong, an employee at a local power plant, is a frequent visitor to the riverside parks.

"The Songhua River is well treated. Now a lot of wild ducks spend their winter here. Jilin city has seen great changes these days and is getting better and better," said Wang.

Li from the development and reform commission said the city government has also implemented large-scale programs to green the city.

In 2013, 45 hectares of green space was added in the city proper, and trees and grass have been planted along 395 kilometers of urban streets as well as 628 km of rural roads, according to Li.

He said other efforts including planting trees in more than 300 villages and returning 12,662 hectares of reclaimed land to forests this year. Nearly 46 percent of the city is now covered by trees and grass.

The city government is also promoting other energy-saving projects including solar energy and energy-saving public transport.

In the past two years, more than 500 residential buildings have begun using hot water heated by solar energy, according to Li.

He also said Jilin's public transport companies have purchased 400 natural gas-fueled buses, accounting for 40 percent of the city's bus fleet.

"Over years of efforts, Jilin city has seen remarkable improvements in its environment and sharp reductions in its energy consumption," said Li.

"The image of a green city has become an important part of Jilin's competitiveness," he added.

lifusheng@chinadaily.com.cn