A Y3Al5O12:Er3+-laser - pumped CdSe parametric light generator with improved output characteristics was developed. Its output power was -16 and 23 kW in the 8-13 and 3.8-4.6mm range, respectively. Four CdSe crystals with different orientations provided a continuous wavelength tuning from 8 to 13m m. The parametric light generator was employed in the design of a prototype DIAL system intended for a remote gas analysis of atmospheric pollutants along a 80 m path. The results obtained from testing the DIAL system are reported.