New Delhi: As Delhi continues to struggle with hazardous air quality, the Chinese embassy in India has shared advice on how Beijing managed to significantly reduce pollution levels over the past decade. The remarks come at a time when air quality in several parts of the national capital has remained in the severe category, raising serious public health concerns.
In a public communication, the Chinese embassy said Beijing’s experience shows that air pollution can be tackled through sustained and coordinated efforts. It pointed to a combination of strict vehicle emission rules, large scale investment in public transport, and major changes in industrial activity as key steps that helped improve air quality in the Chinese capital.
According to the embassy, Beijing enforced ultra strict vehicle emission standards and gradually phased out older and highly polluting vehicles. The city also limited the growth of private cars through licensing systems and encouraged people to shift to buses, metros and electric vehicles. Alongside transport reforms, authorities moved heavy industries away from urban areas and tightened monitoring of factories.
The embassy stressed that pollution control is a long term challenge and cannot be solved through short term emergency measures alone. It noted that Beijing’s success depended on coordinated action across surrounding regions, as pollution often moves beyond city boundaries.
The message was shared as Delhi recorded extremely poor air quality levels, with pollution affecting daily life, visibility and public health. Schools, offices and transport services have faced disruptions in recent weeks, while doctors have warned of rising respiratory problems, especially among children and the elderly.
China’s envoy to India also acknowledged that both countries face similar environmental challenges due to rapid urbanisation and industrial growth. The envoy said China is willing to share its experience and lessons in a constructive manner, adding that tackling pollution requires strong policy enforcement and public participation.
Public reaction in India has been mixed. Some have welcomed the sharing of technical experience, while others have questioned whether similar measures can be implemented effectively in Delhi, given differences in governance and urban planning.
The exchange comes amid signs of gradual improvement in India China engagement in non strategic areas, including people to people and technical cooperation. While the pollution advice does not signal any formal collaboration, it highlights how environmental issues are increasingly seen as shared challenges that go beyond political boundaries.
For Delhi, the message adds to growing calls for stronger and more consistent action to address air pollution, moving beyond seasonal responses to long term solutions that protect public health.