While real-time AQI varies, cities in South India
While real-time AQI varies, cities in South India like Tirunelveli, Madikeri, Vijayapura, Gokarna, and Kannur, along with some Himalayan towns such as Gangtok, often boast India's best air quality, with low AQI readings due to coastal breezes, green cover, and less industrial activity, with Pune and Aizawl also frequently ranking well for cleaner air. 1
Cities Frequently Cited for Good Air Quality (Low AQI)
• South India: Tirunelveli, Madikeri, Vijayapura, Koppal, Hubballi (Karnataka); Gokarna, Kannur (Kerala).
• Northeast: Gangtok (Sikkim).
• Himalayan Foothills : Ooty (Tamil Nadu), Shillong (Meghalaya).
• Maharashtra: Pune, Nashik, Mumbai (often better than Delhi/North India).
• Other: Aizawl (Mizoram), Agartala (Tripura).
Why These Cities Have Better Air
• Coastal Influence: Sea breezes in places like Gokarna help keep pollution down.
• Green Spaces & Geography: Cities like Pune benefit from extensive green cover and proximity to nature.
• Less Industrialization: Lower industrial activity contributes to cleaner air.
• Northeastern States: States like Meghalaya and areas in Arunachal Pradesh generally have lower pollution.
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