• Source:JND
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Indian Cities With Best AQI: Air pollution remains one of the country’s most pressing challenges, especially during winter, when many cities consistently rank among the world’s most polluted. Some areas, such as Delhi-NCR, frequently experience "Very Poor" or "Severe" air quality, which has serious implications for health and daily life.

However, certain regions, particularly in the south and northeast, maintain comparatively cleaner air with "Good" or "Satisfactory" AQI levels. According to the CPCB, Ariyalur in Tamil Nadu recorded the nation’s best AQI at 13, followed closely by Thanjavur and Shillong in Meghalaya, both achieving an impressive AQI of 17.

AQI Scale Chart 

According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Air Quality Index (AQI) categorizes air quality as follows: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderately Polluted (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500).

Top 10 Cities With Cleanest Air   

Each city on this list has recorded an AQI below 50, offering crisp, clean air and a much-needed reset. 

            City                  

                    State                            Air Quality Index (AQI)
Shillong                  Meghalaya                     12
Thanjavur                  Tamil Nadu                     17
Madikeri                 Karnataka                     12
Puducherry                Puducherry                     18
Gangtok                  Sikkim                     13
Tirumala             Andhra Pradesh                     25
Kollam                  Kerala                     30
Udupi                  Karnataka                     20
Coimbatore               Tamil Nadu                     26
Pune              Maharashtra                      51

Why Are The Above Cities AQI Clean?

The cleaner AQI in these cities can be attributed to several factors. Lower levels of industrialisation and population density reduce the overall emission of pollutants. The effective implementation of pollution control norms further helps maintain air quality. Additionally, abundant green cover and favorable geographic conditions contribute to cleaner air. Limited reliance on fossil fuels for domestic purposes also plays a significant role in keeping pollution levels low.

How Air Pollution Affects Human Health?

Air pollution poses serious health risks, affecting the lungs, heart, and major organs. Fine particles (PM2.5) can trigger or worsen respiratory conditions like asthma and COPD, while long-term exposure raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cancer. It can also impact cognition, fertility, and cause headaches, fatigue, skin problems, and disproportionately affects children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with pre-existing conditions.

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