A senior meteorologist in Tianjin has urged the local government to reinforce pollution monitoring facilities in a bid to improve the accuracy of the air quality index.

Quan Xungang, director of the Tianjin Meteorological Bureau and a city political adviser, suggested the local technology authority increase its investment in emission monitoring, upgrade the facilities and expand the monitoring network.

Making the proposal during the ongoing session of Tianjin's political advisory body, Quan said accurate forecasts will enable the government to take emergency actions, such as issue early warnings to the public, temporarily shut down industrial plants and restrict automobile use.