What Delhi can learn from Beijing in fighting air pollution

In November 2025, Delhi’s air pollution peaked with an AQI of 764, driven by vehicular emissions, industrial activity, stubble burning, and dust. Winter months (October–February) see hazardous pollution levels, causing severe health risks like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Beijing, by contrast, improved air quality through strict regulations, industrial shutdowns, clean energy adoption, public transport expansion, and regional coordination. Delhi has implemented short-term measures like odd-even traffic rules, school closures, and smog towers, and long-term plans include CNG buses, BS6 emission standards, electric vehicles, and a green corridor along the Aravalli Range. Urgent, coordinated action is needed to protect public health.