shot-button
BMC Elections 2026 BMC Elections 2026
Home > News > World News > Article > Rare smog spike hits Beijing as air quality turns very unhealthy

Rare smog spike hits Beijing as air quality turns very unhealthy

Updated on: 19 December,2025 07:05 AM IST  |  Beijing
Agencies |

China’s national observatory on Wednesday issued a yellow alert for heavy fog in some parts of the country, saying that thick fog is expected to shroud parts of Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, the Sichuan Basin and Chongqing on Thursday

Rare smog spike hits Beijing as air quality turns very unhealthy

Air pollution reduced visibility in in Beijing, on Thursday. Pic/PTI

Listen to this article
Rare smog spike hits Beijing as air quality turns very unhealthy
x
00:00

Beijing was shrouded in heavy smog on Thursday with AQI climbing to “very unhealthy” levels of 215, a rare spike in pollution in the Chinese capital after years of expensive cleaning up.

China’s national observatory on Wednesday issued a yellow alert for heavy fog in some parts of the country, saying that thick fog is expected to shroud parts of Hebei, Beijing, Tianjin, Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, the Sichuan Basin and Chongqing on Thursday.


The smog with polluted air quality is rare these days in Beijing, which used to witness very heavy pollution before the government initiated a series of steps, including closure and relocation of heavy polluting industries in 2016, spending billions of dollars.



Officials say the city’s switch to natural gas or electric public heating in winters from the coal-fired ones, spending over $1 billion, has helped reduce pollution levels.

Beijing’s efforts to tackle heavy pollution were in the news in recent days in the backdrop of New Delhi witnessing a deepening pollution crisis. It sparked a debate over whether the Indian capital should follow Beijing’s arduous and expensive journey to improve air quality.

215
AQI reading in Beijing on Thursday

This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!

Did you find this article helpful?

Yes
No

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

Help us improve further by providing more detailed feedback and stand a chance to win a 3-month e-paper subscription! Click Here

Note: Winners will be selected via a lucky draw.

china beijing news world news International news Pollution

Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK