Top 10 Indian Cities With Best and Worst Air Quality Index

India’s air quality is increasingly under scrutiny as urban centers face rising pollution levels, impacting the health and lifestyle of millions. From industrial activities and vehicular emissions to construction dust and burning of crop stubble, these factors contribute to worsening air quality across the country.

However, while several cities contend with unhealthy pollution levels, others enjoy much cleaner air, offering residents and travelers a healthier environment.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) regularly monitors and reports air quality in cities, providing an essential gauge for public health. Recently, the CPCB released data for October 24, 2024, offering insights into the cities with the cleanest and most polluted air.

Understanding the Air Quality Index

The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a tool for communicating the level of air pollution in a city or area. It categorizes air quality into different bands based on health implications. Ranging from “Good” to “Severe,” the Air Quality Index scale helps residents understand potential health risks from prolonged exposure. AQI readings are measured in the following categories:

• 0-50 (Good): Indicates minimal or no health impact, making it suitable for all individuals.
• 51-100 (Satisfactory): Minor breathing discomfort may occur for sensitive individuals.
• 101-200 (Moderate): Breathing discomfort may affect people with lung, asthma, or heart issues.
• 201-300 (Poor): Prolonged exposure may lead to discomfort among the general public.
• 301-400 (Very Poor): Respiratory illnesses may develop due to extended exposure.
• 401-500 (Severe): Even healthy individuals are at risk of health issues; those with existing conditions face serious health impacts.

Top 10 Indian Cities With the Cleanest Air

Below is a list of the Indian cities where air quality is significantly better, providing a healthier environment for residents and visitors. These cities recorded Air Quality Index levels categorized as “Good” or “Satisfactory,” offering a reprieve from the often alarming AQI readings found in major metropolitan areas.

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Tamil Nadu’s Palkalaiperur, leading with an AQI of 20, boasts the cleanest air, followed by other cities that are generally less industrialized and benefit from favorable climatic conditions.

Rank	City	State	AQI
1	Palkalaiperur	Tamil Nadu	20
2	Balasore	Odisha	23
3	Aizawl	Mizoram	25
4	Ramanathapuram	Tamil Nadu	25
5	Chikkaballapur	Karnataka	28
6	Madikeri	Karnataka	29
7	Madurai	Tamil Nadu	29
8	Chikkamagaluru	Karnataka	30
9	Gangtok	Sikkim	30
10	Nagaon	Assam	30

These cities maintain better air quality thanks to various factors, such as lower population density, geographical location, and fewer industrial activities.

While industrialized cities battle pollution, these cities provide a refreshing alternative with fresher air, allowing residents to enjoy a higher quality of life. For travelers seeking cleaner air, these destinations are recommended, especially during peak pollution periods in larger cities.

Top 10 Indian Cities With the Poorest Air Quality

The cities with the highest Air Quality Index levels represent a stark contrast, primarily in heavily industrialized or densely populated urban areas where pollution sources abound. Delhi, with an AQI of 306, tops the list of cities with the poorest air quality, categorizing it as “Very Poor.”

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Prolonged exposure to such environments can lead to respiratory discomfort, especially for individuals with pre-existing conditions. Here is the list of cities facing challenges with poor air quality:

Rank	City	State	AQI
1	Delhi	Delhi	306
2	Meerut	Uttar Pradesh	293
3	Ghaziabad	Uttar Pradesh	272
4	Bhiwani	Haryana	266
5	Hapur	Uttar Pradesh	261
6	Jind	Haryana	261
7	Charkhi Dadri	Haryana	260
8	Jhunjhunu	Rajasthan	260
9	Baghpat	Uttar Pradesh	257
10	Hanumangarh	Rajasthan	255

In such cities, air pollution stems from high vehicular emissions, industrial activities, construction dust, and other contributing factors.

Major metropolitan areas like Delhi and its neighboring cities in Uttar Pradesh and Haryana frequently witness poor AQI levels, especially during winter due to phenomena like temperature inversion and seasonal crop residue burning. Residents in these cities often face health challenges, with heightened risks for respiratory issues.

Impact of AQI Levels on Health

Air quality has a profound impact on health, particularly when pollution levels reach the “Poor,” “Very Poor,” and “Severe” categories. Individuals exposed to high AQI levels may experience respiratory issues, headaches, and worsening of existing health conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.

While “Good” and “Satisfactory” AQI levels indicate minimal or manageable health risks, prolonged exposure to “Poor” and “Very Poor” levels can have serious implications.

AQI levels serve as a public health metric, allowing residents to take preventive measures. Simple steps like using air purifiers indoors, limiting outdoor activities during peak pollution hours, and wearing masks can help reduce health risks.

Government initiatives and individual actions are essential for reducing pollution levels and improving air quality across urban areas.

India’s varying AQI levels showcase both the country’s environmental challenges and the benefits some regions enjoy due to lower industrial activity or unique geographic advantages.

Cities with better air quality, like Palkalaiperur and Aizawl, highlight the possibilities of maintaining healthy environments, while high-AQI cities remind us of the work ahead in combating pollution.

Monitoring and understanding AQI trends allow residents and policymakers to take informed steps toward improving air quality, ensuring a healthier future for generations to come.