India’s top 6 cities with the best and worst AQI in 2025

India’s top 6 cities with the best and worst AQI in 2025 | In 2025, India's cleanest air was in Tirunelveli, Naharlagun, and Madikeri, while the most polluted cities included Delhi, Ghaziabad, and Byrnihat.

Tirunelveli (Tamil Nadu) and Delhi | With excellent urban greenery and low vehicular pollution, Delhi with crop burning and vehicle emissions continues to choke the capital.

Naharlagun (Arunachal Pradesh) and Ghaziabad (Uttar Pradesh) | It benefits from natural ventilation and limited industrial activity. On the other hand Ghaziabad industrial zone with major pollution from factories.

Madikeri (Karnataka) and Byrnihat (Meghalaya) | The city enjoys clean air thanks to forest cover and eco-conscious tourism and Byrnihat is increasing industrial activity in nearby areas.

Vijayapura (Karnataka) and Chandigarh | Moderate population density and minimal industrial output contribute to low AQI. Chandigarh has high vehicle density which causes pollution.

Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu) and Hapur (Uttar Pradesh) | Thanjavur maintains good air quality through low traffic congestion. And Hapur's industrial emissions make this a consistent pollution hotspot.

Koppal (Karnataka) and Dhanbad (Jharkhand) | Smaller town with controlled emissions and clean surroundings. And Dhanbad is heavy mining causes thick dust and toxic air.