India clears air on pollutants

NEW DELHI: The Indian capital, labouring under the label of the world’s most polluted city, is trying something new to help clean up its air.

A smartphone application that allows citizens to report the presence of construction dust or the burning of leaves and garbage in public parks to authorities was launched on Friday.

The “Hawa Badlo”, or “Change the Air” app, has two versions. One allows citizens to take pictures of likely pollutants. The other allows authorities to investigate and act on valid complaints.