Delhi Struggles Under Smog, China Offers Lessons on Cleaner Air

The air in Delhi stays dangerous, with thick smog and a Central Pollution Control Board reading of 328 on Wednesday morning. That AQI level falls in the “very poor” bracket and comes only a little below Tuesday’s figure of 354 at 4 pm, keeping the national capital under steady health risk.

India’s Supreme Court has sharply criticised official handling of Delhi air pollution, calling it a “total failure” and demanding a long-term approach instead of short bursts of action. During the recent hearing, a bench led by CJI Surya Kant urged coordination, stating, "Let us think of pragmatic and practical solutions to the menace."

Delhi air pollution and China’s advice

Amid the crisis, Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India, turned to social media to share lessons from China’s clean-up drive. "Both China and India know the struggle with air pollution amid rapid urbanisation. While the challenge remains complex, China's sustained efforts over the past decade have delivered noticeable improvements," Yu wrote, promising regular updates.

Yu added that more details would follow from China’s experience, saying, "In the coming days, we'll share a bite-sized series exploring how China tackled air pollution — step by step." The posts outline a model that mixes strict vehicle standards, factory closures, cleaner energy and regional planning, aimed at cities facing conditions similar to Delhi.

Delhi air pollution and vehicle emission controls

One key suggestion from Yu centres on harsh rules for vehicles in Delhi. Yu urged adoption of ultra-tight standards such as China 6NI, which aligns with Euro 6 norms and targets nitrogen oxides and other pollutants from engines. Vehicular fumes remain a major part of the capital’s dirty air, despite earlier traffic control experiments.

India already requires all vehicles made after 1 April 2020 to meet BS-VI norms, but older fleets remain on the roads. Delhi’s Environment Minister Manjinder Sirsa announced that from 18 December, only BS6 vehicles would be allowed to enter the capital, signalling a stricter barrier at city borders to cut tailpipe emissions.

Yu also called for laws to phase out older, high-emission vehicles altogether, instead of allowing them to linger with certificates. Yu recommended that Delhi expand metro and bus systems into one of the world’s largest public networks and limit new cars through licence lotteries and odd-even schemes, while also speeding the move to electric vehicles.

Delhi air pollution and industrial restructuring

Alongside transport, Yu stressed that reshaping industry is essential for cleaner skies. Yu pointed out that China shut down or relocated more than 30,000 heavy industrial units during its campaign. Moving Shougang, among China’s biggest steelmakers, reduced inhalable particle levels by about 20 per cent in the surrounding region, according to the embassy post.

Industrial land in China was then reused in new ways. Empty plants turned into parks, commercial zones and technology or culture hubs. The former Shougang complex, once a steel site, later hosted events during the 2022 Winter Olympics. Wholesale markets, logistics centres, and some schools and hospitals were also shifted away from crowded urban cores.

Yu highlighted China’s strategy of regional integration. General manufacturing moved to Hebei province, while Beijing held on to research, development and service jobs with higher value. Yu previously listed related steps: closing small, inefficient coal boilers, tightening standards for heavy industry and vehicles, and forcing highly polluting plants to relocate or shut down.

Delhi air pollution and clean energy, enforcement

Suggestions from Yu also focus on energy sources and data systems. Yu advised heavy investment in wind, solar and hydropower to replace coal-based capacity, along with satellite tracking and real-time air quality monitoring. Strict penalties for rule-breaking and data falsification were described as vital to keep local governments and companies honest.

Experts in India agree that strong enforcement is still weak in Delhi. A 2023 Comptroller and Auditor General audit found over 1,08,000 vehicles receiving pollution-under-control certificates even after failing emission tests. Such gaps make it harder for measures like BS-VI norms or traffic curbs to deliver the expected health gains for residents.

Delhi air pollution and local policy challenges

Specialists also warn that many Chinese-style steps may be harder to copy in Delhi. The city already has one of the world’s largest metro systems and has tried odd-even driving days and periodic transport curbs. Experts say strict traffic restrictions year-round would be difficult to maintain socially and economically in the national capital region.

A major barrier lies outside Delhi’s limits. Stubble burning in neighbouring states continues each winter, while state governments argue over responsibility. Analysts say firm agricultural policy, better crop residue management and big investment in regional public transport are central to easing Delhi air pollution, but progress stays uneven and slow.

Many analysts note that Delhi’s crisis will continue unless transport, industry, agriculture and energy policies align for years, not weeks. Yu’s suggestions underline how wide the task is, while the Supreme Court’s remarks reflect public frustration. For now, AQI readings around 328 show residents still breathing air rated “very poor” across large parts of the city.