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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 2025In 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 ChandigarhModerate 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.