Unlike Delhi, these cities are breathing clean air. Here’s a list of 12 places

As Delhi’s air quality continues to worsen post-Diwali, several cities across India stand out for their cleaner air. Northeastern cities like Gangtok in Sikkim and Aizawl in Mizoram are among the least polluted, boasting excellent air quality that supports respiratory health. In the south, Mangalore in Karnataka also ranks high for its clean air.
Since Diwali, Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has consistently remained above 300, reaching around 350 recently. This places it in the ‘very poor’ category, posing serious health risks for residents.
Just recently, the Supreme Court tore into the Delhi government over the blanket ban imposed on the bursting of firecrackers. The top court observed that the ban was “hardly implemented” and pulled up the Delhi top cop over the measures taken by the police to enforce the ban in the national capital.
The Supreme Court directed the AAP government and Delhi Police Commissioner to file affidavits stating steps taken to implement the ban this year as well as proposed steps to ensure compliance with the ban next year within one week.
According to Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data from November 6, Gangtok, the capital of Sikkim, recorded an AQI of just 29, making it the nation’s most breathable city.
Unlike Delhi, where the air is saturated with smoke and particulate matter, Gangtok’s primary pollutant is ozone, which contrasts sharply with the toxic air found in many northern cities.
Close behind Gangtok is Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram, which reported an AQI of just 34 on Wednesday. Although its primary pollutant is PM10, the pollution levels remain far below those in Delhi and other northern cities.
Southern India has also made notable strides in air quality. Among the cleanest is Mangalore in Karnataka, with an AQI of 32 on November 6. Unlike cities plagued by particulate matter, Mangalore’s main pollutant is carbon monoxide, reflecting its cleaner air profile.
In contrast, Bengaluru, Karnataka’s capital, recorded a ‘moderate’ AQI of 110, facing challenges due to PM10 and PM2.5, largely from vehicle emissions.
However, several southern cities, including Udupi (AQI 45), Tirunelveli (35), Thrissur (46), Tuticorin (46), Kolar (40), Kollam (48), Kalaburagi (41), and Chamarajanagar (40), have achieved ‘good’ air quality status.
While meteorological and geographical factors certainly influence pollution levels, a significant factor distinguishing polluted and non-polluted cities is the management of local pollution sources.