ASIAN APPROACHES TO SMOG CONTROL: LESSONS FROM CHINA AND INDIA FOR STRENGTHENING KAZAKHSTAN’S AIR QUALITY STRATEGY

Baygazinov Zhanat, Mamyrbekov Arafat, Zhumadilov Kassym, Muhamediyarov Nurlan

doi:10.37238/2960-1371.2960-138X.2025.100(4).199

Baygazinov Zhanat, Mamyrbekov Arafat, Zhumadilov Kassym, Muhamediyarov Nurlan University of Calgary

DOI: https://doi.org/10.37238/2960-1371.2960-138X.2025.100(4).199

Keywords: air quality; international experience; atmospheric pollution; PM2.5; AQM; BAT; CEMS; MRV; Kazakhstan; China; India; institutional policy; comparative analysis.

Abstract

The article supports a systematic approach to air quality management (Air Quality Management, AQM) in Kazakhstan based on a comparative analysis of Asian practices—China and India—and their adaptability to the national institutional environment.

Based on an interdisciplinary review of regulations and strategies, monitoring data, peer-reviewed studies, and industry reports, it shows that the main contribution to pollution comes from household and municipal heating with solid fuels, industry, and transport; meteorological factors (low winter boundary-layer height) and behavioral characteristics of the population intensify episodes of smog and health risks.

Deficiencies in the coverage of the observation network and in procedures for quality assurance/quality control (Quality Assurance/Quality Control, QA/QC) are identified, as well as coordination gaps between agencies and levels of government that slow the scaling of BAT (Best Available Techniques) and CEMS (Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems).

Based on comparison with the Chinese vertical model (strict accountability, centralized monitoring) and the Indian multilevel model—the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP), and the expansion of the National Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) / Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations (CAAQMS)—a hybrid framework is proposed for Kazakhstan: national standards and integrated permits with mandatory Continuous Emissions Monitoring Systems at major sources; urban plans prioritizing decarbonization of heating and fleet renewal; a coordinated system of measurement, reporting, and verification (Measurement, Reporting and Verification, MRV) and open data; inspection accountability and performance metrics.

Implementation of the framework can reduce morbidity and economic losses, increase resilience and public trust, and secure “clean air” as a national priority.