Authors: Sakshi Soni, Sumaiya Abdin, Nishesh Sharma

ABSTRACT

This paper compares air pollution governance in Beijing and Delhi between 2005 and 2025 to explain their divergent air quality outcomes despite sustained policy attention. Using policy frameworks, institutional analysis, and air quality trends, the study traces each city’s shift from episodic crisis responses toward longer-term governance strategies. The findings show that Beijing’s success in reducing PM 2.5 stemmed from centralized authority, legally enforceable mandates, and regional airshed coordination, while Delhi’s fragmented and litigation-driven approach yielded limited and inconsistent improvements. The analysis demonstrates that effective air pollution control depends on governance capacity and enforcement credibility rather than policy intent alone. By contrasting these trajectories, the paper highlights how institutional structure shapes environmental outcomes and draws policy-relevant lessons for strengthening air quality governance in Delhi NCR.