Delegates from Jilin province attending the ongoing annual session of the National People's Congress said on Thursday that smog prevention should be a top priority.

The number of smoggy days in Jilin increased last year, according to the provincial government work report.

Bayin Chaolu, the provincial governor, said in the report that the local government will ban burning straw and clean up vehicles that emit heavy pollution.

Meanwhile, the province will cope with polluted rivers and rebuild sewage treatment plants in areas such as Siping and Lishu county, the report said.

A few delegates agreed to collect environmental taxes, aiming to enhance people's awareness and motivation to prevent smoggy days.

But how to collect and what fields can use the tax is still being studied, the delegation said.

In addition to smog, education was a hot topic during the discussion.

Li Zhen, an NPC deputy from a high school in the province, hopes the local government invests money in heating facilities for rural areas, ensuring students in the countryside can have a better environment for studying.

caoyin@chinadaily.com.cn