New Delhi [India], November 5 (ANI): China has offered to assist India in addressing its worsening air pollution crisis, particularly in Delhi and nearby regions. The Chinese Embassy in India shared on X that Beijing is willing to share its experience in combating smog, having successfully reduced pollution levels in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
China, which once faced similar environmental challenges, implemented extensive measures to curb pollution, including relocating heavy industries, restricting vehicular emissions, and expanding the use of clean energy sources.
Chinese Embassy spokesperson Yu Jing wrote on X, “China once struggled with severe smog, too. We stand ready to share our journey toward blue ones — and believe India will get there soon.”
Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality saw a slight improvement on Wednesday morning, with the overall Air Quality Index (AQI) recorded at 228 at 9 a.m., according to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). The national capital had reported an AQI of 291 at 4 p.m. on November 4. Despite the minor relief, air quality remained in the “poor” category across several parts of the city.
As per CPCB data, Anand Vihar recorded an AQI of 279, Lodhi Road reported 213, and ITO registered 274. Other areas, including RK Puram (223), Jahangirpuri (235), Chandni Chowk (228), and Sirifort (263), also remained within the poor air quality range.
Following its declaration of a “war on pollution” in 2013, China launched a multiyear, USD 100 billion campaign to improve air quality. Authorities shut down polluting factories, removed aging vehicles from the roads, and transitioned from coal to natural gas. According to The New York Times, Beijing now experiences over 100 additional clear-sky days annually compared to a decade ago.
The Chinese government also invested heavily in afforestation and reforestation initiatives, including the “Great Green Wall” project, which has seen the planting of more than 35 billion trees across 12 provinces. According to Earth.org, China’s forestry expenditure per hectare now exceeds that of the US and Europe and is three times the global average. (ANI)
