Lesson from China on tackling pollution

Context:

How China—especially Beijing—has sharply reduced air pollution over the past decade, drawing policy lessons for India, particularly Delhi-NCR, which continues to face severe air-quality crises.

Key Evidence Highlighted (China vs India)

China (Beijing)

• Achieved a ~50% reduction in annual PM2.5 levels between 2013 and 2021.
• Implemented:
  • Clean Air Action Plan
  • Blue Sky Protection Campaign
• Used:
  • Strict industrial emission norms
  • Closure/relocation of polluting industries
  • Massive push for electric mobility
  • Real-time air-quality monitoring
  • Heavy penalties and strong enforcement
• Followed a regional approach: Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei “airshed” coordination to control transboundary pollution.

India (Delhi-NCR)

• Has laws like:
  • Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981
  • Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

• But faces:
  • Fragmented governance (Centre–State–Local overlap)
  • Weak enforcement and regulatory capacity
  • Over-reliance on short-term emergency measures (odd-even, construction bans)
• Bodies like CAQM exist but lack:
  • Strong enforcement powers
  • Adequate funding and accountability

What India Can Learn (Policy Lessons)

Shift from episodic response to mission-mode strategy

• Treat air pollution as a public health emergency, not a seasonal problem.

Strengthen institutional capacity

• Empower CAQM with:
  • Enforcement authority
  • Financial autonomy
  • Accountability mechanisms

Regional (airshed-based) governance

• Adopt a Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei–style model for Delhi-NCR and neighbouring states.

Transport-sector reforms

• Stronger vehicle emission standards (beyond BS-VI)
• Expansion of public transport and EVs
• Congestion pricing and better traffic management

Data-driven regulation

• Public access to air-quality and emissions data
• Real-time emissions monitoring
• Source-apportionment-based policymaking

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