Beijing’s War Against Air Pollution: Lessons for Delhi
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Source: The article on Beijing’s War Against Air Pollution: Lessons for Delhi has been based on article “Beijing’s war against air pollution” published in The Hindu on 13th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus topics: GS Paper-3- Environment – Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Context: The article discusses Beijing’s significant reduction in air pollution between 2013 and 2017 and draws parallels with Delhi’s current air quality challenges.

What was the pollution scenario in Beijing, and how does it compare to Delhi today?

  1. Beijing, in 2015, had a yearly average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144, which is similar to Delhi’s current AQI of 155 in 2024.
  2. Over the years, Beijing successfully reduced its pollution levels by one-third, particularly between 2013 and 2017.
  3. Since both cities are capitals of emerging economies, Beijing’s achievements provide a valuable framework that Delhi could emulate to address its own pollution crisis.

What are the primary sources of pollution in Beijing and Delhi?

  1. The sources of pollution in Beijing in 2013 were broadly categorized into three main areas:
  • Energy and coal combustion, which contributed 22% of PM2.5 emissions.
  • Transportation, which accounted for 31% of emissions.
  • Industrial and construction activities, which added 33% of emissions.
  1. In Delhi, data from the winter months highlights similar trends but with significant regional contributions from neighboring areas in the National Capital Region (NCR).
  2. Controlling pollution in Delhi will require not only local actions but also collective efforts across the NCR.

What strategies did Beijing implement to reduce pollution?

  1. Phased Anti-Pollution Programme: Beijing’s anti-pollution efforts were implemented in three phases: 1998-2008, 2009-2012, and 2013-2017. The approach focused on careful planning and gradually building public participation, with the local government autonomously leading these efforts.
  2. Energy and Coal Combustion Control: Beijing reduced emissions from coal consumption through several measures:
    1. Transitioning power plants to ultra-low emission and clean energy alternatives.
    2. Renovating coal-fired boilers to improve efficiency and lower emissions.
    3. Eliminating the use of residential bulk coal for heating.
  3. Transportation Reforms: The city addressed vehicle emissions by:
    1. Retrofitting cars and public service vehicles with diesel particulate filters (DPFs).
    2. Offering subsidies to scrap high-pollution vehicles, rather than simply banning them.
    3. Expanding subway and bus networks to provide more sustainable public transportation.
    4. Optimizing urban layouts to reduce the need for long-distance travel.
  4. Industrial and Construction Pollution Control: Beijing tightened environmental standards for industries and construction activities by:
    1. Implementing end-of-pipe (EOP) treatments to minimize emissions.
    2. Eliminating outdated industrial practices and encouraging green construction models.
    3. Using video monitoring to enforce compliance and penalize violations.
  5. Regional Cooperation: Beijing coordinated with five neighboring provinces to create a regional pollution control plan. This collaboration significantly contributed to the reduction in pollution levels.

What were Beijing’s results from these efforts?

  1. Between 2013 and 2017, Beijing achieved remarkable reductions in major pollutants:
  • Sulphur dioxide emissions dropped by 83%.
  • Nitrogen oxide emissions fell by 43%.
  • Volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions were reduced by 42%.
  • 5 concentrations decreased by 59%.
  1. These achievements were supported by a six-fold increase in government investment over four years. This financial commitment was crucial to implementing the extensive measures required to combat pollution.

What are the barriers preventing Delhi from addressing its pollution crisis?

  • The primary barrier to tackling Delhi’s pollution crisis is the lack of political will. The Central and State governments often blame each other instead of working together to solve the problem.
  • This blame game has continued for over a decade, while no substantial progress has been made.
  • Private measures such as air purifiers, though effective for individuals, exclude disadvantaged communities and fail to address the broader public issue of pollution.

What can Delhi learn from Beijing’s success?

Delhi can adopt several key strategies from Beijing’s experience:

  1. Upgrade Transportation:

Delhi should develop an integrated bus and metro network, replace outdated buses via subsidies, and improve last-mile connectivity. Dedicated cycling and walking lanes, congestion charges, higher parking fees, and differentiated fuel costs can discourage private vehicle use.

  1. Shift to Clean Energy:

Phasing out coal-fired power plants, promoting rooftop solar with subsidies, and linking them to the grid with bill discounts can accelerate the transition to renewable energy.

  1. Regional Collaboration:

Like Beijing, Delhi must coordinate with NCR states to address shared pollution sources effectively.

  1. Boost Public Awareness:

Citizens must demand clean air as a right and reject the normalization of poor AQI, fostering accountability and sustainable change.


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