These are certainly no permanent solutions to the man-made pollution. And there seems to be no light at the end of the tunnel. But instead of groping in the dark, there seems to be a solution. The powers that be would need a slightly elastic ego to adopt it. New Delhi ought to "look east'. And it's sight need not wander.

To win the war against polluted air, India can take a leaf out of China's book. For Beijing once had the dubious distinction of being the most polluted capital in the world. But it has shed this tag. A hard battle against smog has been waged and won behind the Bamboo Curtain. The public outrage against pollution forced the Chinese state to act. Known to be tone-deaf to public outcries, the Chinese rulers had no alternative.

A "national war" was declared against pollution. China set up a dense PM2.5 monitoring census, prioritising mass transit and reviving traditional Chinese urban designs and walking centres, upgrading public transport, controlling vehicular emissions, cutting down reliance on fossil fuels and creating low emission zones to name a few.

Indian authorities can explore similar deterrents. Despite separated by a great distance, the two national Capitals share commonalities in terms of geography, weather conditions and growth trajectories. Persuading the farmers to find alternative ways to get rid of the stubble of their crop fields cannot be done overnight. A combine of political consensus and persuasive skills is needed to address the issue.

Introducing some of the Chinese methods to combat pollution which is generated within the national Capital can be done right away. Though not overnight, one hopes that cleaner air will flow into Delhi once these measures are in place. Adopting to Beijing's game plan to address Delhi's pollution appears to be a feasible path to walk along for now. But there is no denying crucial differences.

The nature of the regimes differ widely making some pollution control measures far more easier to be imposed in Beijing than in New Delhi. The receptivity of the political class towards anti-pollution measures varies between the two countries.

Pollution has devastating effects on public health and national economy in India. But the fact remains it is yet to be tackled with top priority. It calls for greater Asian cooperation. Of the 6.5 million killed annually by this transnational phenomenon, 70 per cent of the mortalities are in the Asia-Pacific region. A regional front aiming at trans-border solidarity should be aimed at. It has its advantages.

Even bi-lateral tensions can resolved as two ancient neighbours reach out through this window. It can be an effective bargain counter for funds and technologies at climate summits when Global South meets a condescending Global North. (IPA Service)