Beijing's Battle Against Smog: A Model for Delhi?

Beijing experienced a significant spike in air pollution, reigniting discussions on the city's extensive efforts to combat smog. China's capital previously made significant improvements by shutting heavy industries and switching to cleaner energy, sparking debates on whether New Delhi should follow similar strategies amidst its own pollution crisis.

Beijing found itself enveloped in a dense smog on Thursday, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) escalating to 'very unhealthy' levels at 215. This unexpected rise in pollution highlights a return of environmental challenges to the city once plagued by heavy air contamination.

A yellow alert was issued by China's national observatory due to anticipated heavy fog across various regions, including Hebei and Beijing. It underscores the ongoing precarious balance between industrial growth and maintaining cleaner air, achieved through billion-dollar investments in clean energy transitions and shutting down polluting industries.

As New Delhi grapples with its own worsening air quality, comparisons with Beijing's past struggles have sparked discussions. Could the extensive and costly measures undertaken by Beijing serve as a blueprint for Delhi's pollution mitigation strategies its citizens seek?

(With inputs from agencies.)