India's air quality 'needs improvement'

An Indian politician has called for greater efforts to improve the country's air quality.

The Times of India reports the comments by ministry of earth sciences secretary Shailesh Nayak, who said that "a lot of work is required" to cut harmful emissions and improve air quality.

Mr Nayak was speaking at a workshop held by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) and the World Meteorological Organisation, an arm of the United Nations.

He said that while global efforts on air quality forecasts are being made to keep people informed about how to handle issues such as pollution, pollen and heat stress, "we are lagging behind".

Delegates from various South Asian countries are present at the event, which lasts until Friday.

The IITM is dedicated to research within atmospheric sciences and collaboration with other institutions.

It aims to be a "world centre of excellence" and is directed by Prof B N Goswami.