10 Indian cities with the least AQI

Based on the latest data from the Central Pollution Control Board’s (CPCB) Air Quality Index (AQI) Bulletin for December 3, 2025, several Indian cities report notably low AQI levels, indicating cleaner air and better environmental conditions. These cities primarily belong to the "Good" category, where air pollution has a minimal or negligible impact on health. This is in stark contrast with many densely populated metropolitan areas that struggle with "Poor"-to "Very Poor" air quality levels.

The CPCB data highlights that cities with the cleanest air generally cluster in the southern and northeastern parts of India. Among them-Shillong, Meghalaya ranks with one of the lowest AQI measurements-at just 16, falling well within the good air quality range. Its surrounding natural forests and hilly terrain contribute significantly to dispersing air pollutants and maintaining clean air.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) serves as a standardized scale to communicate daily air pollution levels and associated health risks to the public. It simplifies complex pollutant data into a single number, typically ranging from 0 to 500, where lower values indicate cleaner air and higher values signal greater health concerns. In India, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) uses a national AQI system with six color-coded categories: Good (0-50), Satisfactory (51-100), Moderate (101-200), Poor (201-300), Very Poor (301-400), and Severe (401-500)

Shillong, Meghalaya: AQI 16 – Highest elevation, forest cover
Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu: AQI 25 – Coastal winds aid dispersion
Puducherry: AQI 29 – Union Territory with green spaces
Damoh, Madhya Pradesh: AQI 30 – Low industrial activity

Ariyalur, Tamil Nadu: AQI 33 – Agricultural region
Aizawl, Mizoram: AQI 38 – Northeast hills, minimal pollution
Palkalaiperur, Tamil Nadu: AQI 38 – Rural setting
Chamarajanagar, Karnataka: AQI 40 – Mixed landscape

Perundurai, Tamil Nadu: AQI 43 – South Indian town
Madurai, Tamil Nadu: AQI 44 – Cultural city with green zones
Ooty, Tamil Nadu: AQI 44 – Hill station benefits
Nayagarh, Odisha: AQI 50 – Transitional zone

Clean air in urban areas results from a combination of natural, human-and policy-driven elements that minimize pollutant buildup.

Low-emission sources
Low to minimal industrial activity keeps SO2 and CO low.

Green coverage
High vegetation density traps pollutants. Forest area or tree-lined areas and parks-with Southern cities boost oxygen and sequester CO2.

Policy and monitoring efforts
Strict enforcement of emission norms under the National Clean Air Programme-(NCAP) sustains gains. Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Stations-(CAAQMS) enable real-time data for interventions. Public transport promotion and electric vehicle adoption curb vehicle exhaust

To protect yourself from poor air quality, stay indoors on high AQI days, keep windows and doors closed, and use air purifiers. Wear N95 masks if going outside, avoid outdoor exercise, stay hydrated, and monitor daily AQI reports. Children, seniors, and those with respiratory issues should take extra precautions.