How India’s Air Quality Can Benefit from China’s Strategies (Commentary)
Cities across India, particularly in the Delhi-National Capital Region, are facing a severe air pollution crisis once again. This has intensified discussions on how China effectively managed its own air quality challenges. Notably, China successfully reduced particulate pollution by nearly 40% through various strategies, including implementing coal caps and strict vehicle standards. Moreover, China’s governance changes regarding pollution control demonstrated that lasting improvements are achievable when political priorities align with scientific data.
India’s Air Quality Challenges and China’s Successful Strategies
The stark contrast between India’s ongoing air pollution issues and China’s progress in air quality has sparked significant dialogue. In December, a time usually marked by improved air quality, India experienced higher pollution levels than in previous months, despite a decrease in agricultural fires. This prompted Delhi’s residents to demand urgent measures for clean air, with social media filled with commentary on the situation.
This crisis caught the attention of the Chinese embassy in India, which suggested that China could share its strategies for air quality improvement. This outreach led to a wave of articles from Indian pollution experts exploring why China succeeded in reducing its pollution while India struggles.
Lessons from China’s Pollution Control Measures
The strategies credited for China’s air quality improvements include:
- Implementing stringent coal caps
- Executing industrial shutdowns
- Establishing tougher vehicle emissions standards
- Scrapping older, more polluting vehicles
Since the launch of its Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan in 2013, China has achieved substantial reductions in pollution levels, which experts estimate could contribute to an increase in life expectancy for Chinese citizens.
Key Principles for Effective Air Quality Improvement
China’s approach to air quality emphasizes several key principles that could benefit India:
- Mainstreaming Environmental Concerns: China integrated environmental protection into its growth agenda, shifting the focus away from sole economic growth metrics.
- Multi-Pollutant Management: China views particulate matter as part of a broader system of pollutants, not in isolation, which is critical for comprehensive solutions.
- Binding Emission Targets: China’s strategy combines ambient pollution targets with enforceable emissions reductions, making accountability straightforward.
- Transparency and Supervision: China enhances public scrutiny through regular disclosures about pollution data and government accountability.
In contrast, India’s National Clean Air Programme, launched in 2019, mainly targets particulate matter without addressing the broader context of air pollution. This limited scope can lead to ineffective solutions that fail to improve air quality significantly.
Moving Forward
India’s vision to become a developed nation by 2047 recognizes climate change as a barrier to progress. Nevertheless, air pollution has not received equal attention in policy discussions, despite evidence linking it to severe health risks. Research by the Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) indicates that air pollution could reduce the average Indian’s life expectancy by an alarming 3.5 years.
To emulate China’s model, India must prioritize long-term strategies that incorporate robust environmental governance, transparency, and widespread public accountability. Bypassing temporary fixes for more systemic changes is crucial for achieving sustainable improvements in air quality.
The urgency of addressing air pollution must not be delayed. With the National Clean Air Programme entering its eighth year, India remains at a crossroads: the need is clear, and prompt action is essential for a healthier future.
