‘Ready To Share Our Journey’: China Offers To Help India Fight Delhi’s Toxic Air

The Chinese spokesperson said China, too, struggled at one point. (PTI)

As Delhi and its neighbouring regions continue to grapple with suffocating smog, China has offered to help India combat its worsening air pollution crisis. The offer comes amid hazardous air quality levels in the capital and surrounding areas that dropped to “severe” category over the past few days.

Yu Jing, spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in India, 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.”

The statement shows Beijing’s willingness to share its experience in controlling pollution, as China itself underwent years of battling smog before achieving significant improvements in air quality.

On Tuesday, Delhi’s air quality remained in the “severe” category, with the city recording an overall AQI of 420. Among the worst-hit areas were Anand Vihar (403) and Ashok Vihar (370), while both Bawana and Burari Crossing registered levels above 390.

Neighbouring Noida also continued to reel under poor air quality — Sector 125 recorded an AQI of 345, Sector 116 stood at 357, and Sector 62 at 323.

The situation in Ghaziabad was even more alarming, with Loni recording a “severe” AQI of 420, Vasundhara at 389, Sanjay Nagar at 360, and Indirapuram at 334.

Experts have cautioned that continued exposure to the toxic air blanketing Delhi-NCR could worsen respiratory ailments, trigger eye irritation, and raise the risk of lung infections. They have urged children, the elderly, and people with asthma or pre-existing conditions to take extra precautions.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a gradual dip in temperatures over the coming days. Between November 4 and November 9, Noida’s maximum temperature is expected to fall from 29°C to 27°C, while the minimum could drop from 19°C to 15°C.

Light drizzle is also likely in parts of Delhi-NCR on Wednesday, the IMD said. Officials noted that a brief spell of rain and a shift in wind direction could bring minor relief from the choking pollution, but advised residents to limit outdoor activities, particularly during early morning and evening hours, and to wear masks when stepping out.