China's state environmental watchdog has urged local environmental departments to issue smog alerts and report information on heavy air pollution in a timely manner.
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The departments should publicize such information via local broadcasting, television, Internet, newspaper and social media, according to a circular issued by the Ministry of Environmental Protection.
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The document came as environmental authorities in some areas had failed to issue air pollution warnings and report pollution in an active and timely fashion, the circular said.
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It further criticized them for slow emergency responses and failure to act on public concerns, saying this has discredited environmental protection departments.
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They are also told to report air pollution information to government officials in order to provide a reference for decisions on whether to launch an emergency plan.
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The circular added that press conferences should be arranged if necessary to release information on heavy air pollution and put forward protective measures and suggestions.
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Days of lingering smog covering large parts of China forced school closures and flight cancellations earlier this month.Â