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China Offers India Pollution Help: How Beijing Beat Its Smog Crisis

China has extended an offer to help India combat its severe air pollution problems, particularly in Delhi. The Chinese Embassy expressed willingness to share their successful experience in reducing smog levels in cities like Beijing. China implemented aggressive anti-pollution measures including factory restrictions, vehicle emission controls, and massive clean energy expansion. Despite marginal improvements, Delhi's air quality remains in the 'poor' category across multiple monitoring stations.

Key Points: China Offers Air Pollution Control Help to India

  • China invested $100 billion in pollution control since 2013 war on smog
  • Beijing now enjoys 100+ more clear sky days annually than before cleanup
  • Chinese measures included factory restrictions and vehicle emission controls
  • Massive afforestation programs planted over 35 billion trees nationwide
2 min read

China offers to help India tackle its severe air pollution crisis

China offers to share pollution control expertise with India, citing successful smog reduction in Beijing and Shanghai through aggressive environmental measures.

"China once struggled with severe smog, too. We stand ready to share our journey toward blue ones -- and believe India will get there soon. - Yu Jing, Chinese Embassy spokesperson"

New Delhi, November 5

China has offered to help India tackle its severe air pollution crisis, particularly in Delhi and surrounding areas.

The Chinese Embassy in India shared on X that China is willing to share its experience in controlling pollution, having successfully reduced smog levels in cities like Beijing and Shanghai.

China faced similar air pollution issues in the past but implemented aggressive measures to reduce pollution, including shifting industries, restricting vehicular emissions, and expanding clean energy use.

Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing on X stated, "China once struggled with severe smog, too. We stand ready to share our journey toward blue ones -- and believe India will get there soon."

https://x.com/ChinaSpox_India/status/1985633127721750929

Meanwhile, Delhi's air quality saw a marginal improvement on Wednesday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 228 at 9 am, according to data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).

For comparison, the national capital had recorded an AQI of 291 at 4 pm on November 4. Despite the slight improvement, the city's air quality remained in the 'poor' category, affecting several parts of the capital.

According to CPCB data, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 279, while Lodhi Road, as per the India Meteorological Department (IMD), reported 213. The Air Quality Index at ITO stood at 274, remaining in the poor category. Other prominent areas, including RK Puram (223), Jahangirpuri (235), Chandni Chowk (228), and Sirifort (263), also continued to experience poor air quality.

After the Chinese government declared a war against pollution in 2013, Beijing pressed ahead with a multiyear, USD 100 billion effort to clean its air. The authorities clamped down on factories, forced old vehicles off the road and shifted from coal to natural gas. While more still needs to be done, Beijing officials say the city now has over 100 more days of clear skies each year than when the campaign began, according to The New York Times.

The government also introduced aggressive afforestation and reforestation programs, such as the Great Green Wall, and planted more than 35 billion trees across 12 provinces. With investments in such programmes, China's forestry expenditure per hectare exceeded that of the US and Europe and became three times higher than the global average, as per Earth.org.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Actually, this could be beneficial. China has made remarkable progress in controlling pollution in Beijing. We should learn from their experience while adapting solutions to our Indian context. The health of our children is more important than politics. 😷
A
Arjun K
Delhi's air quality is a national shame. AQI 228 is still terrible! We need immediate action - whether it's from China or anyone else who can help. My daughter has developed asthma because of this pollution. 😔
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Sarah B
As someone who lived in Beijing during their worst pollution days and now in Delhi, I can confirm China made significant improvements. Their afforestation programs are particularly impressive. We could benefit from technical knowledge sharing.
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Vikram M
Why are we looking to China when we have brilliant Indian scientists and environmental experts? Our government should invest more in local research and solutions. This feels like another missed opportunity to build indigenous capabilities.
A
Ananya R
The Great Green Wall initiative mentioned in the article is fascinating! We need massive afforestation drives across North India. Maybe we can learn from their tree-planting techniques while using native Indian species. 🌳🌿

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