Amidst the smog-filled cities, where Delhi is one of the most polluted cities in India, there are also urban oases striving for cleaner air and greener spaces.
According to the World Air Quality Report, Delhi ranks globally in second position after Beijing with an AQI of 168, indicating unhealthy air quality.
Primarily, three cities in India—Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata—have consistently ranked among the most polluted cities in the world due to high levels of vehicular emissions and industrial pollution.
These cities, often dubbed "pollution-free," are setting examples for sustainable living and environmental conservation. Let's explore some of these pollution-free cities and uncover the secrets behind their environmental success.
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List of Pollution-Free Cities in India
According to OneIndia.com, here's the list of the top 5 pollution-free cities in India that have been recognised for their efforts in promoting clean air and sustainable living:
| Rank | City | AQI | Air Quality Status |
| 1 | Palkalaiperur | 20 | Good |
| 2 | Balasore | 23 | Good |
| 3 | Aizawl | 25 | Good |
| 4 | Ramanathapuram | 25 | Good |
| 5 | Chikkaballapur | 28 | Good |
| 6 | Madikeri | 29 | Good |
| 7 | Madurai | 29 | Good |
| 8 | Chikkamagaluru | 30 | Good |
| 9 | Gangtok | 30 | Good |
| 10 | Nagaon | 30 | Good |
| 11 | Nalbari | 31 | Good |
| 12 | Udupi | 31 | Good |
| 13 | Thrissur | 33 | Good |
| 14 | Dindigul | 35 | Good |
| 15 | Thoothukudi | 36 | Good |
Source: World Air Quality Report
1. Palkalaiperur
Palkalaiperur, located in Tamil Nadu, has an impressive Air Quality Index (AQI) of 20, categorising it as one of the least polluted cities in India.
This AQI falls within the "Good" category, approximately 8 μg/m³, significantly lower than the WHO's recommended limit of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends an AQI of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5, making Palkalaiperur's air quality significantly better than many urban areas.
The city's geographical features, including its lush greenery and low industrial activity, contribute to maintaining clean air. Additionally, local initiatives promoting environmental awareness and effective waste management practices further enhance its cleanliness and sustainability.
2. Balasore
Situated in Odisha, Balasore boasts an AQI of 23, placing it among India's cleanest cities. This "Good" classification indicates effective local environmental policies and community efforts to reduce pollution levels.
Balasore's air quality is commendably low around 9 μg/m³, well within the WHO's recommended limit of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5.
The city's location near coastal areas and its abundant green spaces aid in maintaining fresh air.
Furthermore, Balasore's low industrial presence minimises emissions, making it an attractive destination for those seeking a cleaner environment. Community engagement in cleanliness drives enhances its status as a pollution-free city.
3. Aizawl
Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram located in Northeast India, has an impressive AQI of 25, categorising it as one of the least polluted cities in the country.
This level of air quality reflects effective environmental management and community involvement in sustainability practices.
Compared to the WHO's recommended AQI of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5, Aizawl's air remains remarkably clean, with an average PM2.5 concentration of just 9.9 μg/m³.
The city's elevation and lush surroundings contribute to natural ventilation and lower pollution levels. Local initiatives focused on waste management and public awareness further bolster Aizawl's reputation as a clean city, providing residents with a healthy living environment.
4. Ramanathapuram
Ramanathapuram is located in Tamil Nadu and shares an AQI of 25, placing it among India's least polluted cities. This "Good" classification indicates that the air quality is well-maintained and safe for residents.
Ramanathapuram's air quality is significantly better than many urban centres, approximately 10 μg/m³, significantly better than the WHO's recommended limit of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5.
Factors contributing to its cleanliness include low industrial activity and abundant green spaces that help absorb pollutants.
Community involvement in cleanliness drives and environmental awareness campaigns further enhances the city's appeal as a pollution-free destination.
5. Chikkaballapur
Chikkaballapur is situated in Karnataka and has an AQI of 28, categorising it as a city with good air quality. This level indicates minimal pollution and a healthy environment for its residents.
The WHO sets the recommended limit for PM2.5 at 5 μg/m³; thus, Chikkaballapur’s air quality is commendable compared to many other regions of around 11 μg/m³.
The city's commitment to sustainable practices and reduced industrial emissions plays a crucial role in maintaining this status.
Additionally, the presence of greenery around Chikkaballapur contributes to cleaner air by filtering pollutants effectively.
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6. Madikeri
Madikeri is located in Karnataka and features an AQI of 29, marking it as one of India's cleanest cities regarding air quality. This rating falls within the "Good" category, suggesting that residents experience minimal pollution levels.
In comparison to the WHO's recommended AQI of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5, Madikeri’s air quality remains favourable, at approximately 12 μg/m³, which is well above the WHO's recommended limit and indicates good air quality overall.
The city’s lush landscapes and low industrial activity are significant factors contributing to its cleanliness.
Local initiatives promoting environmental awareness and waste management also play a vital role in sustaining Madikeri’s pristine environment.
7. Madurai
Madurai is another city in Tamil Nadu that boasts an AQI of 29, placing it among the least polluted cities in India. This "Good" classification indicates that the city maintains healthy air quality levels for its inhabitants.
The WHO recommends an AQI of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5; thus, Madurai's air quality is commendable compared to many urban areas across the country.
The city maintains healthy air quality levels for its inhabitants with a PM2.5 concentration of around 12 μg/m³.
Factors such as reduced industrial emissions and community engagement in environmental initiatives help sustain this clean status. Additionally, Madurai's green spaces contribute to filtering pollutants effectively.
8. Chikkamagaluru
Chikkamagaluru is situated in Karnataka and has an AQI of 30, categorising it as a city with good air quality standards in India. This rating reflects minimal pollution levels with a PM2.5 concentration of approximately 13 μg/m³.
Compared to the WHO's recommended limit of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5, Chikkamagaluru’s air remains relatively clean.
The city's natural surroundings and low industrial activity play significant roles in maintaining this status.
Community efforts to promote environmental sustainability enhance Chikkamagaluru's appeal as a pollution-free destination with a healthy environment for residents.
9. Gangtok
Gangtok is located in Sikkim and features an AQI of 30, marking it as one of India's least polluted cities with commendable air quality standards.
This rating falls within the "Good" category, indicating that residents enjoy minimal pollution levels compared to many urban centres across India.
The WHO recommends maintaining an AQI below 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5. However, the rating corresponds to a PM2.5 concentration of around 13 μg/m³. This is notably better than many urban centres across India but still above the WHO's recommended limit.
Factors contributing to this cleanliness include its elevated location and surrounding natural landscapes that help filter pollutants effectively.
10. Nagaon
Nagaon is situated in Assam and has an AQI of 30, placing it among India's cleanest cities regarding air quality standards.
This rating signifies good air quality with minimal pollution levels for its residents.
Compared to the WHO's recommended limit of 5 μg/m³ for PM2.5, Nagaon’s air remains relatively clean and safe for inhabitants with a PM2.5 concentration of around 13 μg/m³.
Contributing factors include low industrial activity and ample green spaces that aid in reducing pollution levels effectively while promoting community engagement in environmental initiatives, further enhancing Nagaon's appeal as a pollution-free city.
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