Lessons for India from China’s Air Quality Improvements

India is grappling with severe air pollution, particularly in the Delhi-National Capital Region. This situation has reignited discussions on how China successfully managed to improve its air quality. Between 2013 and now, China achieved a nearly 40% reduction in particulate pollution through effective measures and governance reforms. Understanding these strategies offers crucial lessons for India.

Lessons for India from China’s Air Quality Improvements

Air pollution has reached alarming levels in Delhi amidst public outcry for cleaner environments. Local citizens are increasingly voicing their concerns, urging authorities to take substantial action against deteriorating air quality. As conditions worsened in December, experts started comparing India’s situation to that of China, prompting inquiries about why India struggles with similar issues.

Key Measures by China

• Coal Caps: Limiting the amount of coal used for power generation.
• Vehicle Standards: Implementing stricter emission regulations for vehicles.
• Industrial Shutdowns: Temporarily halting operations during peak pollution periods.
• Scrapping Old Vehicles: Encouraging the removal of older, more polluting vehicles from the roads.

These actions form part of China’s broader Air Pollution Prevention and Control Action Plan initiated in 2013, significantly reducing particulate matter and improving public health.

Principles Behind Pollution Control Success

China’s success is attributed to key principles that guided their air quality strategy:

• Mainstreaming Environmental Goals: Environmental protection became a component of economic growth, reshaping priorities in governance.
• Multi-Pollutant Approach: Addressing particulate matter as part of a complex system rather than in isolation, integrating control over several types of emissions.
• Binding Targets: Establishing enforceable emission reduction targets that link policy efforts directly to pollution levels.
• Transparency and Accountability: Emphasizing public access to environmental data and holding local authorities accountable for pollution levels.

The Path Forward for India

India’s National Clean Air Programme, launched in 2019, primarily focuses on reducing particulate matter, especially PM10. However, its effectiveness is undermined by a lack of a comprehensive approach that considers all relevant pollutants. To effectively combat air pollution, India must integrate the following:

• Adopt a holistic view of air pollution that includes precursor gases.
• Implement enforceable emission reduction targets alongside ambient concentration goals.
• Increase transparency regarding pollution data to enhance public engagement.

The Air Quality Life Index (AQLI) indicates that air pollution is a significant threat to life expectancy in India. Immediate action is crucial to avoid the health consequences of prolonged exposure to poor air quality.

Conclusion

China’s success in reducing air pollution underscores the importance of coordinated action supported by strong governance. India now faces the challenge of transitioning from policies to effective action. With the urgent need for improved air quality, the lessons learned from China provide valuable insights for India’s future strategy.