Beijing’s War Against Air pPollution

Beijing, in 2015, had an average Air Quality Index (AQI) of 144, which is similar to Delhi’s AQI of 155 in 2024. However, Beijing has made significant progress in reducing pollution, cutting its levels by one-third between 2013 and 2017. This decline can be attributed to a series of policies and actions taken by Beijing to control air pollution, starting with a long-term plan initiated in 1998.

 Beijing's Pollution Control Efforts (1998-2017):

• Economic Growth and Pollution: By the late 1990s, Beijing’s rapid economic growth led to an increase in energy consumption and pollution, especially from coal used for residential heating.
• The Anti-Pollution Program: Beijing’s pollution control program can be divided into three phases:
  • 1998-2008: Initial steps to address pollution.
  • 2009-2012: Strengthening efforts to target pollution sources.
  • 2013-2017: Aggressive actions, including regional cooperation to combat pollution from neighboring provinces.
• Key Sources of Pollution: Beijing identified three major sources of pollution:
  • Energy and Coal Combustion (22% of PM2.5): Coal-dependent power plants and residential heating.
  • Transportation (31%): Emissions from vehicles.
  • Construction and Industry (33%): Pollution from industrial activities and construction.

Measures Taken:

• Energy & Coal: Beijing renovated power plants to reduce emissions, transitioned to cleaner energy, and eliminated coal used for heating.
• Transportation: Vehicles were retrofitted with diesel filters, old and polluting vehicles were scrapped with subsidies, and public transport (buses and subways) was expanded.
• Industry & Construction: Strict environmental requirements were imposed on industries and construction sites. Polluting factories were closed or renovated, and construction was tightly regulated.
• Regional Cooperation: Between 2013 and 2017, Beijing worked with neighboring provinces to coordinate efforts and reduce pollution in the entire region.
• Financial Commitment: Beijing made large financial investments in pollution control measures, increasing the budget six times over four years. This financial commitment played a key role in the success of the program.

Achievements (2013-2017):

• The pollution control efforts resulted in significant reductions:
  • Sulphur Dioxide: Down by 83%
  • Nitrogen Oxide: Down by 43%
  • Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs): Down by 42%
  • 5 (particulate matter): Down by 59%

What Delhi Can Learn from Beijing?

• Transport System: Delhi needs a better public transport system, integrating buses and metro services, and offering last-mile connectivity. Old, polluting vehicles must be scrapped, and alternatives like cycling lanes should be introduced.
• Energy Overhaul: Delhi’s electricity comes mainly from coal-fired plants. Transitioning to cleaner energy sources, such as solar power, and offering incentives for rooftop solar panels can help.
• Regional Coordination: Delhi must work with neighboring states (National Capital Region) to reduce pollution originating from these areas, just as Beijing did.
• Public Awareness and Accountability: Delhi’s residents need to demand clean air and hold the government accountable for pollution. The attitude toward poor air quality should change; exposure to pollution, even at moderate levels, can be harmful in the long term.