Ecological protection on the Yangtze River still face crucial challenges and more measures will be taken for better protection of the area, said Li Ganjie, Minister of Ecology and Environment.

He said that over 160 severe ecological problems were identified in 40-plus cities and counties in 11 provinces along the river during a four-month secret investigation jointly carried out by the ministry and local authorities since last August.

This year, the ministry will continue to implement the action plan concerning the river's protection released in late January with the National Development and Reform Commission, according to Li.

"We have eight missions included with four new ones projected to start this year," he said.

The four new missions, according to Li, will improve the water quality of those areas worse than Grade V; regulate sewage outfalls along the river; alleviate phosphorus-related pollution caused by mining and chemical production and regulate waste-water treatment facilities.

The other four missions contained in the action plan were already in process, said Li, including protection of drinking water sources, regulations to tackle black and odorous water and solid waste disposal.