Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has praised efforts of local officials and people in afforestation in Yan'an of Shaanxi Province, a holy place of the Chinese revolution early in the 20th century.

The afforestation efforts to prevent soil erosion were quick and efficient, said Zhu during an inspection tour on July 16. He had been to Yan'an in August 1992 and August 1999 when most hills were bare.

The premier made the tour to check flood prevention work along the Yellow River, urging local officials to keep on high alert against floods.

Zhu promised that the government would give favorable policies for environmental protection projects in turning farmlands to forest lands.

He also encouraged local officials and people to exert more efforts to better improve their living environment.

(Xinhua News Agency July 23, 2002)