New Delhi: Delhi has once again slipped into a public health emergency this winter, with toxic air, thick smog and a rise in breathing-related illnesses becoming part of daily life. As air quality levels hovered in the “severe” category through much of the week, attention has turned to how other global cities have tackled similar crises — notably Beijing, once infamous for its pollution.
Amid the worsening conditions, the Chinese Embassy in India stepped into the conversation, sharing details of how China’s capital transformed its air quality over the past decade. In a detailed social media post, embassy spokesperson Yu Jing pointed out that both India and China have grappled with pollution driven by rapid urban growth.
“Cleaner air is not an overnight achievement, but it is possible,” Jing wrote, posting contrasting images of Beijing’s skyline from its smog-filled past and its clearer present. She also highlighted current air quality data, noting that while Delhi recorded an AQI of 447 on December 15, Beijing stood at a far lower 67.
Cracking Down on Vehicle Emissions
A key part of Beijing’s strategy, according to the embassy, was a tough stance on vehicle pollution. China introduced emission standards equivalent to Euro 6, aggressively retired older vehicles and limited the number of cars on the road through licence-plate lotteries and driving restrictions. Massive investments were made in metro rail, buses and electric mobility.
India introduced BS-VI norms for new vehicles in 2020, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Delhi only recently barred non-BS VI vehicles from entering the city, even as pollution levels had been rising for weeks. Although the capital has tested odd-even traffic schemes in the past, these measures have not delivered lasting improvements.
Another major difference lies in regional coordination. Beijing’s clean-air push was implemented across the wider Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei belt, ensuring pollution from nearby areas did not undermine local gains. Delhi, by contrast, continues to suffer from emissions drifting in from neighbouring states.
Seasonal stubble burning in Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh remains one of Delhi’s biggest challenges. Despite repeated court orders and policy announcements, lack of coordination and political disagreements have limited progress on this front.
Reshaping Industry and Urban Space
Industrial reform formed the second pillar of Beijing’s clean-up drive. Authorities shut down or relocated more than 3,000 polluting factories. The relocation of Shougang, one of China’s largest steel producers, alone led to a sharp drop in particulate pollution.
Former industrial zones were repurposed into parks, commercial districts and cultural hubs. The old Shougang site, for instance, was transformed into a major venue for the 2022 Winter Olympics. Beijing also moved wholesale markets, logistics centres and some institutions to surrounding cities, while keeping research and high-end services within the capital.
Lessons — and Limits — for Delhi
Beijing’s transformation began in earnest with a nationwide five-year action plan launched in 2013, targeting coal use, transport emissions and energy sources. Since then, cleaner fuels, electric vehicles and renewable energy have reshaped the city’s air quality.
Delhi has relied on short-term fixes such as water sprinkling, anti-smog guns and temporary traffic controls. Experts argue these steps offer limited relief without deeper structural changes.
While Beijing’s experience offers valuable insights, specialists caution against a direct copy-paste approach. Delhi’s political structure, dependence on neighbouring states and agricultural practices make the challenge more complex. Year-round driving restrictions may not be practical, and stubble burning cannot be addressed without serious agricultural reform and incentives for farmers.
What experts agree on is that lasting improvement will require stronger regional cooperation, a major expansion of public transport and decisive action beyond emergency measures. As Delhi continues to choke each winter, Beijing’s journey serves both as a case study — and a reminder that sustained political will is essential for cleaner air.
