While major metros like Delhi and Mumbai continue to choke under layers of haze, a handful of Indian cities are quietly standing out for their remarkably clean and fresh air. From hill stations surrounded by dense forests to coastal towns benefiting from steady winds, these regions show how natural surroundings and disciplined pollution control can make all the difference.
Across the first week of December, Shillong, Ooty, Aizawl, Palkalaiperur and Tirunelveli recorded some of the lowest Air Quality Index (AQI) levels in the country. Shillong led the list with AQI readings as low as 15 on December 1, helped by its high elevation and lush green cover. Ooty maintained consistently clean air through the week, supported by its cool climate and vast green landscapes.
Aizawl remained steady with an AQI of 38 across multiple days, while the rural calm of Palkalaiperur kept its pollution levels comfortably low. In Tirunelveli, coastal winds played a crucial role in dispersing pollutants, pushing its AQI down to just 20 on December 6.
Data from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) reveals a sharp contrast when compared to India’s major cities. Delhi’s AQI stood at a worrying 303, firmly in the ‘very poor’ category, forcing residents to navigate thick haze, reduced visibility and increased health risks. Experts attribute the spike to vehicular emissions, industrial activity and ongoing construction dust. Forecasts suggest that the national capital’s air will remain ‘very poor’ at least until December 8, with hotspots such as Anand Vihar and ITO showing particularly alarming readings.
Mumbai, though faring better than Delhi, still sits in the ‘moderate’ category with an AQI of 115. Pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10 continue to test the city’s resilience, even as clear skies and warm temperatures offer some relief by helping pollutants disperse more easily. Despite this, Mumbai’s air quality is expected to remain largely unchanged over the coming days.
The stark difference between India’s clean-air zones and its polluted metros underscores a pressing reality: cleaner air is achievable, but it requires sustained, collective effort. The cities that succeeded this week offer a blueprint less industrial load, better environmental management and the support of natural geography. As pollution continues to threaten public health across India, these clean-air pockets serve as a reminder of what the country can aim for with stronger policies and consistent action.