Top Chinese political advisor Yu Zhengsheng on Friday called for more efforts to protect water resources.

Yu, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), made the remarks at a seminar.

Yu said the central government has paid much attention to the environment and in April mapped out policies for an environmentally friendly society civilization.

Economic growth in regions along rivers like Yangtze and Huaihe have become "new engines" for growth in inland areas, Yu said.

In speeding up economic growth in regions along rivers, more efforts should be made to improve efficiency in using water resources, protect water resources and restore water ecology, he said.