Air Pollution: Here Are The Top 5 Cities With Clean, Breathable Air; Check Full List

Air Pollution: While the top metropolitan cities of the country have emerged as unbreathable spaces in the last few years, several smaller hill stations and towns maintain remarkably clean air, offering residents and visitors a healthy alternative. The air is clean and fresh for breathing because of their natural surroundings, low industrial activity, and effective pollution control measures.

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Top 5 Places With Cleanest Air: 

- Shillong, Meghalaya: Known as the ‘Scotland of the East’, the state capital is known for its high elevation and lush green forests, which contribute to the clean, fresh and breathable air in the surroundings. 

- Ooty, Tamil Nadu: Characterised by a cool climate and extensive green spaces, this hill station is ideally suited for enjoying clean air.

- Aizawl, Mizoram: Aizawl's geographical position, nestled within the northeastern hills, plays a key role in maintaining its clean atmosphere. This elevated setting, combined with minimal industrial and urban pollution, ensures the city consistently enjoys good air quality.

- Palkalaiperur, Tamil Nadu: This rural region benefits from remarkably clean and unpolluted air, largely due to its remote location far from major industrial zones and heavy urban activity.

- Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu: Located on the coastal part of the state, the winds help disperse pollutants and maintain good air quality. 

AQI Of These Places

Note: The above data is from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)

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Why Are These Places Becoming Popular Destinations For People?

Major metropolitan cities like Delhi and Mumbai are struggling to provide basic clean air to their citizens. While Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) touched 303 today, reaching the ‘very poor’ category, Mumbai’s AQI is also deteriorating, reaching the ‘moderate’ category.

According to officials, Delhi is set to experience 'very poor' air quality until December 8, 2025, with areas like Anand Vihar and ITO witnessing dense haze and drastically reduced visibility. The city’s high pollution levels are being driven by a combination of vehicular emissions, industrial output, and dust from ongoing construction activities.

On the other hand, the problem with the financial capital of the country remains with the suspended particles like PM 2.5 and PM 10, which have accentuated the city’s problem.